Phillip Schofield shares memories of Prince Philip, ahead of funeral

Watch: report by ITV News Meridian's Sarah Saunders

Back in 1961, The Duke of Edinburgh was the first member of the Royal Family to give a television interview. 55 years later ITV presenter Phillip Schofield got the chance to spend time with a then 95 year-old Prince Philip for a documentary to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

The scheme has become one of the Duke's greatest legacies, helping to empower young people from all communities to build  confidence and resilience and gain life skills. 

Duke of Edinburgh's Award has become one of the Duke's greatest legacies.

Prince Philip founded the Duke of Edinburgh Award in 1956, encouraging young people to get outdoors. Millions have now taken part in the world's leading youth achievement award, and the scheme remained a cause very close to Prince Philip's heart. 

  • Phillip Schofield, ITV Presenter

Prince Philip founded the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in 1956 Credit: Pathe
'He had the best sense of humour'

In making the documentary, Phillip Schofield revealed that he was planning to take part in a wing walk to raise cash for Duke of Edinburgh's Award and he got a taste of Prince Philips acerbic tongue.

Phillip Schofield recalls the first time he met the Duke. "The first time I ever met him was in a big room at St James' Palace and there were very nervous Gold DofE winners waiting for their certificates. And all these youngster's shoulders were up and all scared. And he walked in and said something and everyone burst into fits of laughter and all their shoulders sank down, then they started chatting. There is no way you get a group of teenagers to laugh like that. And I think that was his sense of humour."