A lifelong patron of charities across Scotland, the UK and the world
It has been revealed that Prince Philip was associated with nearly 1,000 charities in his life, many of which he was patron, president or given an honorary role.
In Scotland he was patron of dozens of organisations including Capability Scotland, Scottish Youth Hostel Association, and The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.
Across the UK, the prince played prominent roles with several charities that were household names.
The Duke of Edinburgh became a patron for the British Heart Foundation in the 1960s after being invited to do so by Sir Horace Evans, who was head of the Queen’s Medical Household at the time.
Prince Philip is said to have played a valuable role in fundraising for the charity, attending several galas and events and opening various medical centres funded by the charity.
Following his death, Dr Charmaine Griffiths, the charity’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re deeply saddened by the death of our patron, Prince Philip HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, and offer our condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family.
“Prince Philip offered steadfast support to the BHF for nearly 60 years and was a remarkable advocate for the power of research to save and improve lives from heart and circulatory diseases.
“Prince Philip’s role as our patron was one aspect of a life characterised by support for good causes and devotion to public service. His contribution will forever be remembered.”
The Duke of Edinburgh Award was created in Prince Philip’s name in 1956 and is largely seen as one of his largest societal contributions.
He was its chair until his 80th birthday and remained a patron up until his death.
The programme is open to 14-24-year-olds and involves various challenges designed to help support the community, the environment, physical fitness, the development of new skills, and training for and completing an expedition.
In the wake of Prince Philip’s death, Ruth Marvel, chief executive of DofE, said: “The Duke’s timeless vision for young people has never been more relevant or needed.
“The DofE has played a crucial role in supporting young people to survive and thrive despite the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, and we will continue to build on his legacy.
“The Duke was a lifelong advocate for young people, believing in each individual’s potential and creating in the DofE what he saw as a ‘do-it-yourself growing up kit’”
Prince Philip was the first-ever president of World Wildlife Fund (WWF), which he joined from its advent in 1961, remained president until 1982 after which he became International President and then, in 1996, he was appointed President Emeritus of WWF until his death.
Pavan Sukhdev, president of WWF International, said: “The Duke of Edinburgh has been a tireless champion for the environmental cause and a passionate ambassador for conservation issues around the world for decades.
“His Royal Highness helped chart the course of WWF from its very beginning and has truly made enormous contributions to the organisation.”
He was a royal patron of the charity Plan International, the global children’s charity supporting girls and boys growing up in impoverished countries.
The organisation works to provide these children with education, health care, clean water and future opportunities.
In light of Prince Philip’s death, Rose Caldwell, CEO of Plan International UK commented: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh, who has been a long standing royal patron of Plan International UK.
“Over the years, His Royal Highness has been incredibly supportive of the work we do with young people both here in the UK and across the world. As a global children’s charity striving to give every child the same chance in life, his support has been hugely appreciated.”
