Prince Philip's death: Duke's unflinching support for Royal Navy museums is honoured

HERITAGE leaders looking after museums honouring the Royal Navy have paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh for his ‘unwavering kindness’ and support.

By Tom Cotterill

Published 9th Apr 2021, 14:05 BST

Updated 9th Apr 2021, 14:47 BST

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Professor Dominic Tweddle, director general of the National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN), said he was ‘deeply saddened’ to head of Prince Philip’s death today.

The monarch died this morning at the age of 99, Buckingham Palace confirmed.

Royal Family announce Prince Philip has died aged 99 - updates as tributes flood...

The Duke of Edinburgh at NMRN exhibition next to Royal Marines. Photo: NMRN

The Duke of Edinburgh at NMRN exhibition next to Royal Marines. Photo: NMRN

Prof Tweddle said the prince had a great affinity for the NMRN, which has sites in Gosport and at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

He said: ‘The Duke of Edinburgh was a staunch supporter of the museums which make up The National Museum of the Royal Navy.

‘In his role as Captain General, Royal Marines, he was patron of the Royal Marines Museum. He laid the foundation stone and opened the Fleet Air Arm Museum and was a regular visitor to the museum, opening several exhibitions over the years.

‘He made a private visit to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to visit both Mary Rose and the national museum.

Professor Dominic Tweddle, head of the NMRN has paid tribute to Prince Philip following his death today, aged 99.
Pictured : Dominic Tweddle outside HMS Victory at Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth. — Professor Dominic Tweddle, head of the NMRN has paid tribute to Prince Philip following his death today, aged 99. Pictured : Dominic Tweddle outside HMS Victory at Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth.

Professor Dominic Tweddle, head of the NMRN has paid tribute to Prince Philip following his death today, aged 99.
Pictured : Dominic Tweddle outside HMS Victory at Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth. — Professor Dominic Tweddle, head of the NMRN has paid tribute to Prince Philip following his death today, aged 99. Pictured : Dominic Tweddle outside HMS Victory at Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth.

‘We shall miss his unwavering interest, his kindness, his charm and his bracing humour.’

The duke became a patrol of the former Royal Marines Museum in Eastney when it opened.

He also opened the Fleet Air Arm Museum when he opened it on May 28,1964 and served as a patron.

In 1979, the Duke of Edinburgh highlighted the importance of Royal Navy heritage.

The Duke of Edinburgh following inspection of parade during the presentation of new colours at the former Royal Marines barracks in Eastney, on April 23, 1956

The Duke of Edinburgh following inspection of parade during the presentation of new colours at the former Royal Marines barracks in Eastney, on April 23, 1956

Speaking at the time, he said: ‘In this country, where so much of our history is concerned with the rather remote and mysterious business of seafaring and the Royal Navy, museums devoted to maritime affairs are particularly important.’

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