HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh 1921-2021
Issue date: 23rd September 2021
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| 202107 | Mint Stamps (45p, 80p, £1.05, £2.30) | £4.60 |
| 202108 | First Day Cover (with 45p, 80p, £1.05, £2.30 stamps) | £5.80 |
The Tristan da Cunha community was saddened to learn of the death of Prince Philip on 9th April 2021 and sent their sincere condolences to HM Queen Elizabeth and other members of the Royal Family.
The Chief Islander of Tristan da Cunha, Councillor James Glass, led tributes from the British south Atlantic archipelago:
"Prince Philip visited Tristan da Cunha in 1957. He steered the boat that brought him ashore, and islanders still recall the energy and generosity with which he engaged in activities in our village. He showed interest in our crafts and took part in a traditional dance. He unveiled the plaque that named our community centre the Prince Philip Hall.
His Royal Highness took a continuing interest in Tristan, which is the remotest settlement on earth. From across the miles, we send our deepest condolences to Her Majesty."
His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh's visit to Tristan da Cunha on 17th January 1957 was the single most important social event in the island's history. Ever since then he showed a constant interest in the island and made a special contribution as a royal and loyal friend.
To this day his visit still holds a place in the hearts and memories of those who witnessed it. Islanders recall his informality and his easy way of talking to people, as well as the efforts that the islanders went to in order to make HRH feel welcome.
HRH arrived on HM Royal Yacht Britannia during a long journey back from the 1956 Olympic Games that he had opened in Melbourne, Australia. He visited a thriving Tristan community which had been planning for this great day for many months. Despite recent wet weather, the village was spruced up in his honour, houses were painted, welcome archways erected, and a full programme organised.
Five newly painted Tristan longboats put out to sea to welcome the Britannia and Prince Philip to the island. As can be seen on the FDC, HRH took the tiller of the leading boat to arrive at the beach where he was welcomed by islanders in their Sunday best. Women and girls gathered in bright printed dresses and headscarves on the plateau above whilst, on the beach below, the men in dark suits and ties were ready to haul the boats ashore. Cheers greeted His Royal Highness as he came ashore for a day which included visits to the Big Beach fishing factory and island homes to view knitwear being made and a display of local handicrafts.
At St Mary's Church the Duke saw the organ given by Queen Mary and the White Ensign laid up from HMS Magpie (a frigate once under his command). The centrepiece of the day was the ceremony at the site of a new community hall, then a steel frame fixed to concrete foundations. After speeches of welcome from Administrator Pat Forsyth-Thompson and Chief Islander Willie Repetto, the Duke laid the first stone, (with a shilling under it, for luck) and accepted the gifts from the Island: for the Queen a beautiful model longboat, for Prince Philip, a knitted island wool cardigan and an album of photographs, for Prince Charles, a model boat and blue fish-eye marbles, for Princess Anne a model spinning wheel, and for all of them pairs of colourful island socks. After the naming of the building 'Prince Philip Hall' there were visits to the hospital and island store.
A cheerful football match on the sloping cattle pasture ended with the score: Islanders - 2, Britannia Crew - 2. The Tristan football team has never had an away fixture! After tea, the Yacht's band played for an adults' dance, and His Royal Highness took part in the famous Tristan Pillow Dance.
Islanders were nervous and apprehensive prior to the Duke's visit, but his cheery interest and informality at once put everyone at ease.
Technical Specifications from Pobjoy Mint Ltd.
| Photographs: |
45p - Courtesy of HRH Prince Philip and Reverend Philip Bell 80p, £1.05 & £2.30 - Getty Images FDC © IWM |
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| Designer: | Bee Design | Printer: | Cartor Security Printing |
| Stamp size: | 28 x 42mm | Perforation: | 13½ x 13¼ per 2cms |
| Process: | Stochastic Lithography | Sheet Layout: | 10 |
| Production Co-ordination: | Creative Direction (Worldwide) Ltd | ||