‘My darling Edward’ – The Duchess of Edinburgh’s tribute to her husband in full

It’s truly wonderful to be here among so many individuals who are making significant impacts through grassroots sports. Today, we’ve celebrated remarkable stories, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Fulham Reach Boat Club for being recognized as Community Club of the Year.

If you’ll allow me a few moments, I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge another significant milestone and offer a small tribute to my beloved husband as he approaches his 60th Birthday this Sunday. Now, I know from our many years of marriage, 25 years this June to be precise, that he’ll likely be surprised to see me up here speaking about him in public. Without even glancing at him, I can envision him now, possibly sitting back with a hint of skepticism, maybe with his arms folded, or one arm casually resting on the table, bearing an uncanny resemblance to his father when I made speeches about him. Twice I spoke about The late Duke of Edinburgh in his presence, each time feeling like I was about to leap out of an airplane without a parachute, but holding onto the faint hope of a soft landing. You must understand that my father-in-law never cared for receiving compliments; he believed the focus should be on the organizations he supported, not on himself. Nevertheless, the fact that I wasn’t in the doghouse after either of those speeches reassured me that I hadn’t made any major faux pas, and thus, I could stand down the getaway cars. So, much like then, and with my husband sharing a similar sentiment as my father-in-law, and with fully fueled cars at the ready, here I go – offering you a glimpse into the man I am immensely proud to call my husband.

Edward is perhaps best known for his unwavering support of the youth organization, the DofE, founded by his father, which consumes much of his time as he chairs committees, formulates strategies, and guides the current activities and future direction of the charity in the UK and worldwide. He challenges its leaders, encourages its supporters and beneficiaries, and enjoys engaging in conversations with those who benefit from its programs. One can only imagine the countless hours he dedicates to this profoundly inspiring youth charity. Beyond the DofE, he fervently supports an array of other charities and organizations, treating each with equal dedication. Whether he’s focusing on athletes from across the Commonwealth, advocating for accessibility to sports and activities through organizations like the Sport and Recreation Alliance, nurturing young talented musicians or seasoned professionals enriching our society, or visiting and supporting the Central Caribbean Marine Institute’s efforts to protect and preserve our invaluable underwater world – his interests are vast and varied. I urge you to peruse his extensive list of affiliations and marvel at their diversity, each contributing to making our world a better place. It’s important to recognize that he isn’t merely a name on paper; he wholeheartedly commits himself to each cause, caring deeply for their success.

He takes immense pride in his military affiliations as well. Not only does he wear a uniform with distinction, but he also takes a keen interest in the vital work performed by our armed forces, relishing the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with those who serve our country. He has been my guide, offering invaluable advice and wisdom (though admittedly, I haven’t always heeded it), and his wealth of experience accumulated over decades of service is truly invaluable. We collaborate on our speeches (though not this one, my apologies, darling!), discuss the challenges our patronages face, and together, I believe we make a formidable team. Like an iceberg, what is visible above the surface or in public is merely a fraction of what goes on behind the scenes. The tireless effort he invests in ensuring good governance for his patronages, rallying support for worthy causes, chairing committees, meeting with CEOs and think tanks, crafting papers, speeches, forewords, introductions – the list is endless. But whatever the task may be, he gives it his all, and if all else fails, he expends any remaining energy spoiling our exhausted dogs or tending to our garden.

Similar to my father-in-law, my husband shies away from seeking accolades for himself. Thus, whenever recognition comes his way, it invariably catches him by surprise. This is why I’m grateful for this opportunity to publicly celebrate and commend him, if only this once. He was overjoyed and deeply honored when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth bestowed upon him the Knighthood of The Garter in 2006, and he was equally moved and delighted when His Majesty The King – whom we both take immense pride in supporting – conferred upon him the title of Duke of Edinburgh. Both honors he deserves in equal measure, and I couldn’t be prouder of the man he is. He is an exceptional father, a devoted husband, and remains my closest confidant. So, here’s to you, my dear Edward, and may I, along with our family, countless friends, and many others, wish you the happiest of birthdays!