He was clever in the way he just connected with people

He was clever in the way he just connected with people

14 April 2021

THE Lord Lieutenant of Co Down will pay his respects privately at home when he observes the national minute’s silence on Saturday before the Duke of Edinburgh is laid to rest.

Mr David Lindsay, who lives near Killyleagh, said he had written a letter to the Queen to convey his personal words of condolence on the loss of her husband of 73 years.

He said he had the pleasure of meeting the Duke several times over the 12 years since he became the Queen’s representative in the county, either at Hillsborough Castle garden parties, or at several Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards events.

Mr Lindsay recalled incidents showing two of the Duke’s most talked-about attributes since his death at 99 last Friday – his ability to connect with an audience and giving his forthright opinion.

“The most memorable time was in 2017 I think when he came to do a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme at Hillsborough,” he said. “I thought he was so clever in the way he connected with people in the very short time he had.

“He had only two or three minutes in each room as well-known personality would host the award winners in several rooms.

“The Duke would just come in and talk to several of the awardees and then shout across the room to where their parents were seated and say, ‘Who’s responsible for this one?’, of course raising quite a laugh. I thought he did it excellently, he had such short time but he had the room laughing and I think everyone really appreciated it.”

While Mr Lindsay also met him at St James’ Palace in London, it was another Hillsborough Castle event that Prince Philip shared his robust opinion.

“There was only the one time that I talked to him for about two minutes at Hillsborough gates and there was a statue there that he didn’t think very much of and he told me, which was quite funny,” recalled Mr Lindsay.

“I was once lucky enough to have a short private conversation with the Queen but that was all I managed with the Duke unfortunately.”

Mr Lindsay commended the Duke for the positive impact and benefit his award scheme had on young people.

“I do strongly support the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, as I support all groups who help develop and support young people,” said Mr Lindsay. “There is no doubt about it, these groups who help young people make a huge difference as to how people develop as adult and help keep the more vulnerable children away from undesirable habits.

“I take my hat off to him being behind a scheme which has been an outstanding success and copied around the world as well.”

He revealed that previous plans for the aftermath of the Duke’s death had advised there were to be no memorial services for 30 days after his death which subsequently had been changed to 20 days.

Mr Lindsay said: “All along the Duke said that he did not want any particular arrangements and I agree. I think that we should not be holding any special church services or special events within that period.

“I certainly intend to observe the minute’s silence at 3pm on Saturday but I will do it at home. With the added difficulty of Covid-19, the last thing that is wanted are many gatherings which would attract a lot of people.”