Two Things I Learned From Prince Philip

The death of Prince Philip reminds me that once, at the inauguration of what was then an ultra-modern industrial facility, I wrote a speech for him (none of which he used.)

by Reg Green


Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, husband of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, looking at City Hall in London (Photo – Steve Punter)

It was also an ultra-boring event so I was surprised to see a crowd of photographers gathered around him.

“What is it?” I asked one of them.

He beckoned and quietly showed me that, although the front of His Royal Highness’s shirt was immaculate, the back of the collar was badly frayed. Since then I’ve never felt badly about hanging on to old clothes.

PS His salty talk never bothered me, by the way. If only other public figures would say what’s on their minds!

First published in Colorado Boulevard.