Barack Obama remembers first meeting with Prince Philip
Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, passed away on April 10. He was 99 years old. He was born as a member of the Greek royal family. This year he was in the hospital for a month and his death caused several tributes. Former US President Barack Obama recently took to social media to share a photo with the queen and her husband and wrote a long note.
He recalled the first time he met them together with his wife Michelle Obama and they were immediately reassured: “with his grace and generosity.” He went on to say: “Prince Philip, in particular, was kind and warm, with a sharp wit and inexhaustible good humor. It was our first introduction to the man behind the title, and in the years since, our admiration for him has only grown. We will miss him very much. ”
“When we met His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, he and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had already been on the world stage for more than half a century, welcoming leaders like Churchill and Kennedy; Mandela and Gorbachev. As two Americans unaccustomed to palaces and pomp, we did not know what to expect, ”he wrote.
Continuing, he added, “We shouldn’t have worried. The Queen and Prince Philip immediately reassured us with their grace and generosity, turning a ceremonial occasion into something much more natural, even comfortable. Prince Philip, in particular, was kind and warm, with a sharp wit and inexhaustible good humor. It was our first introduction to the man behind the title, and in the years since, our admiration for him has only grown. We will miss him very much. ”
He also wrote about the role that Prince Philip played in the larger scheme of things. “By the queen’s side or following the usual two steps, Prince Philip showed the world what it meant to be a supportive husband to a powerful woman. Yet he also found a way to lead without demanding the spotlight: he served in combat in World War II, commanded a frigate in the Royal Navy, and tirelessly traveled the world to defend British industry and excellence. Through his extraordinary example, he demonstrated that true partnership has room for both ambition and selflessness, all in the service of something greater. ”
“As the world mourns her loss, we send our warmest wishes and condolences to the Queen, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and all who knew and loved this extraordinary man ”, he wrote to conclude.
She is a freelance blogger, writer, and speaker, and writes for various entertainment magazines.