June 10, 2001. Copyright, 2001, Graphic News. All rights reserved

DUKE OF EDINBURGH REACHES 80TH BIRTHDAY
By Mark Samms

LONDON, June 10, Graphic News:  IT is somehow sadly typical of the increasingly estranged relationship between the Royal Family and the British people that Prince Philip approaches his 80th birthday not to a fanfare of warm congratulations, but to low murmurs of rumour and dark speculation.

At a time when he might reasonably have expected a few tributes Ð albeit grudging ones for a man who has never really found a place in the publicÕs affections Ð he has instead been subjected to a series of articles that have  portrayed him yet again as a brusque, selfish and remote man.

Philip has always been an authoritarian and demanding man with a notoriously low tolerance threshhold. His rudeness has become legendary, but he has long been regarded as the power behind the throne; a man who has answered to no-one, not even the Queen.

She is said to have been infatuated with him from the moment they met, and there is nothing to suggest that her devotion has dimmed over the years. Quite the opposite, in fact. She may be the monarch of all she surveys, but she has always deferred to her husband on family matters.

This arrangement may have worked when the children were young Ð Prince Charles, in particular, was always said to be in awe and fear of his father Ð but PhilipÕs attitude is thought to be primarily responsible for the way in which the most famous dynasty in the world has also come to be regarded as one of its most dysfunctional.

It is ironic that in the past few years Prince Philip Ð the arch traditionalist Ð has chaired the Royal FamilyÕs Way Ahead Group, which meets twice a year to discuss how best to keep the monarchy in touch with public opinion, and thereby ensure its survival.

And Another Thing: Prince Philip is patron or president of more than 800 organisations, many of which reflect his interest in scientific research, the encouragement of sport and the environment.
/ENDS

Sources: www.bbc.co.uk; www.royal.gov.uk