Prince Philip: The Duke of Edinburgh's legacy in the North West

  • Video report by Granada Reports correspondent Andy Bonner


The Duke of Edinburgh has passed away at the age of 99.

With eight decades of public service behind him, he is being remembered fondly by many in the North West who came in contact with the Duke as he carried out royal visits and other charitable duties in our region. 

Here, some of those who he met have shared their memories: 

For many youngsters across the North West, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is where Prince Philip made his greatest legacy. 

Dubbed by Prince Philip himself as "A Do-It-Yourself kit for growing up", the scheme has seen thousands of young people gain in confidence and practical skills. 

For many youngsters across the North West, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is where Prince Philip made his greatest legacy.  Credit: ITV Granada Reports

Chris and his team from Bolton completed their Gold Award by canoeing the Scottish Lochs. 

They say it gave them the chance to challenge themselves and meet new people - including the Duke himself. 

Prince Philip presented the team with their Gold Award at Holyrood Palace Credit: ITV Granada


Prince Philip presented the team with their award at Holyrood Palace - joking with them that they'd have had an easier time canoeing down river instead. 


Prince Philip gave up a naval career when his wife became Queen.  Credit: ITV Granada Reports

Prince Philip gave up a naval career when his wife became Queen. 

As the British royal family's longest serving consort, he was always two steps behind her Majesty the Queen - though he was never afraid to speak his mind. 

  • Capt Johnnie Walker 

The Duke always maintained an interest in boating into his later years, visiting Kirkby as patron of the model yacht group. 

The Duke was a patron of the model yacht group Credit: ITV Granada Reports

The visit included a tour of the marine lake. Chris Riley, Former Commodore, West Kirby Sailing Club remembers how ''he just took off. Even at 89 he was very quick, it was all anybody could do to keep up with him, including the security detail!

At one point we walked out around the lake wall - the people walking past him were walking past saying "Is that the Duke of Edinburgh?!"

The Duke visited Hilbre Island in the Dee Estuary on three occasions  Credit: ITV Granada Reports


Another passion which brought the Duke to the North West was his love of nature. 

He visited Hilbre Island in the Dee Estuary on three occasions - a sanctuary for migrating birds.

Prince Philip's visits were kept secret at the time, though he did autograph the guest book. Credit: Hilbre Bird Observatory Archive c/o Barry Barnacal

Prince Philip's visits were kept secret at the time, though he did autograph the guest book.

Staying in modest accommodation, he enjoyed being "off the radar" on these occasions, eating shrimp, taking photographs, and watching the birds. 

The Duke enjoyed being "off the radar" on these occasions. Credit: ITV Granada Reports

The Duke of Edinburgh will be remembered for his unwavering servitude and his uninhibited humour - evident on a visit to Blackpool Pleasure Beach. 

Across the North West, decade after decade, Prince Philip left indelible memories with all whom he met.


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