His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

While I am a convinced Republican, who does not believe in a hereditary Head of State, I echo the words of Keir.

“The United Kingdom has lost an extraordinary public servant in Prince Philip.

“Prince Philip dedicated his life to our country – from a distinguished career in the Royal Navy during the Second World War to his decades of service as the Duke of Edinburgh.

“However, he will be remembered most of all for his extraordinary commitment and devotion to The Queen.

“For more than seven decades, he has been at her side. Their marriage has been a symbol of strength, stability and hope, even as the world around them changed – most recently during the pandemic. It was a partnership that inspired millions in Britain and beyond.

“My thoughts are with The Queen, the Royal Family and the British people as our nation comes together to mourn and remember the life of Prince Philip.”

Keir Starmer
Leader of the Labour Party

Battle of Britain 75th Anniversary and "Repeat please!"

Today is the anniversary of the start of "The Battle of Britain".  A flypast of RAF Second World War and modern war planes took place over Buckingham Place.  Six surviving pilots joined the Queen for the display and her fellow war veteran husband, 94 year old Prince Philip, said a rude word about a photographer.  

Some 3000 aircrew fought for Britain's survival during the Battle, 20% were from the British Dominions and occupied European or neutral countries; 544 RAF Fighter Command pilots were killed and 2,500 German Luftwaffe aircrew were killed.

This clip from the film, Battle of Britain, is one of my favourites long before Polish plumbers became a political issue. Lest we forget those who fought and died for us in our long hours of need.