Union joins in tributes for Duke of Edinburgh

Nautilus International has joined in tributes for the Duke of Edinburgh, recognising him as a 'true mariner'.

The Union said it was deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on 9 April.

'We are extremely sorry to hear of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He was a true mariner, who served proudly in the Royal Navy,' the union said.

The funeral of Prince Philip took place on April 18 in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. It was attended by a small number of close family due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The Duke of Edinburgh had an active military career and served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War.

In 1951 his active career at sea came to an end, but Prince Philip maintained a close association with the Armed Forces in the decades after. In 1952 the Duke was promoted to the rank of commander in the Royal Navy. And in 1953 he was promoted to Admiral of the Fleet and appointed a British Army Field Marshal and Marshal of the Royal Air Force.

In June 2011 the Duke celebrated his 90th birthday and The Queen gave him a new title – Lord High Admiral, titular head of the Royal Navy.

Prince Philip was a former president of King George's Fund for Sailors (later known as Seafarers UK, now The Seafarers' Charity).

Chairman of The Seafarers' Charity Paul Butterworth said: 'He has always shown great concern for the plight of the seafarer.' 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth on April 15 to pay his respects to the Duke. He saw a naval officer passing out parade and observed a minute's silence in memory of Prince Philip.