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.
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.
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.
‘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.
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.’