The death of the Duke of Edinburgh, although anticipated owing to his great age, nevertheless came as a bit of a shock as he seemed to be rallying after hospital treatment.
Tributes have poured in for what was a remarkable life in many ways, from its beginnings among the fading vestiges of European royalty swept away in the First World War and Bolshevik revolution to its completion as the standard setter for royal protocol globally.
Sacrifice, duty, honour and commitment were all instantly recognisable qualities in Prince Philip, who carved a path through life like no one before or since.
He was also innovative, forward-thinking, clever and brave, with little patience for time wasters or laziness.
With so much experience and having been central to so many memorable events as he supported the Queen over almost 75 years, what he saw and heard along the way would make the most fascinating biography. He is said to have kept meticulous records for posterity. If he approached them with the same no-holds-barred acerbic wit that he approached life, then they would be a best seller in the making. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for that.
Meanwhile, such close attention of a royal life like this can also have the power to create new fascination in nascent collectors. Items linked with royalty can already make very significant sums at auction. Reflections on the Duke of Edinburgh’s life may well encourage a new generation of fans to join the fray.
