Prince Philip 1921 - 2021

The radio died mid sentence this morning. It sometimes does when the DAB signal drops out. But not this time; it was the classic “ we interrupt this broadcast” ... to announce the death of The Duke of Edinburgh at the age of 99. “This is London” having been superceded by “This is BBC News”

I met the Duke when he presented me with my D of E Gold Award at Buckingham Palace. It was a memorable occasion in so many ways. I learnt life skills in that programme that have stood me in good stead ever since!

It was cold but sunny this afternoon as we walked with friends on the beach.

I liked the sense of a shadow falling over the beach and the ceaseless surf, in my blip, as an appropriate image with which to pay my respects to The Duke of Edinburgh.