At a special Causeway Coast & Glens council meeting to pay tribute to His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the DUP’s Aldermen John Finlay spoke of the devotion Prince Philip gave to His Royal duties.
Taking the opportunity to speak, the Alderman said: “In rising to pay tribute to His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, I will keep my remarks brief – for I know he would have wanted me to do so. He wasn’t happy when praise was being heaped upon him, preferring instead to focus on others.
“He also once famously remarked about speeches and sermons that ‘the mind cannot absorb what the backside cannot endure’.
“Prince Philip was a man devoted to service. He sacrificed a glittering naval career when he married Princess Elizabeth in November 1947, over 73 years ago. When she became Queen in 1952, he spent the remainder of his life serving her as her consort. As she herself stated in 1997, ‘He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years’.
“Time does not permit me to refer to the Duke of Edinburgh’s many achievements, but I know that he was greatly loved and revered across the nation, and no more so than here in Northern Ireland.
“Some will remember the historic scenes at Ballymoney and Coleraine railway stations in June 1953 when the Queen and the Duke were met by cheering crowds shortly after the Coronation. This would be the first of many such Royal visits to our Province.
“Prince Philip’s legacy will live on in many different ways, but with his passing, comes the passing of an era.
“I want to assure Her Majesty the Queen and the other members of the Royal Family of my deepest sympathy at this sad time. Her Majesty will need our prayers, not only at the funeral on Saturday, but in the days that lie ahead. God Save The Queen.”
