The Duke of Edinburgh’s 90th birthday
The Prime Minister has led congratulations for the Duke of Edinburgh as he celebrates his 90th Birthday today.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday, David Cameron described the Duke as a ‘remarkable man’ who has given years of service to our country.
Making a Humble Address following Prime Minister’s Questions, he asked that the House move that:
A message be sent to His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, to offer His Royal Highness the warmest good wishes of the House upon the occasion of his ninetieth birthday, expressing the gratitude of the nation for his lifetime of service to the country and the Commonwealth and praying that His Royal Highness may long continue in health and happiness.
The Duke of Edinburgh is Britain’s longest serving consort, and the PM said that over the years he has served the British people with an unshakeable sense of duty.
Someone who has defended his nation in time of war. A man who has stood alongside Her Majesty the Queen for more than six decades. A man who has given his time, effort and passion to many great causes up and down the country, across the Commonwealth and indeed around the world.
Mr Cameron revealed that since assuming his public duties, Prince Phillip has conducted more than 300 public engagements a year and delivered more than 5,000 speeches. Over those years, he has also made more than 600 visits to more than 140 countries.
Today the Duke of Edinburgh is a patron of more than 800 organisations, most notably the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. Since 1956, about 6 million young people in 120 countries have won awards by building skills for work and life.
The Prime Minister concluded by saying:
I am sure the whole House will want to join me in wishing His Royal Highness health, happiness and above all a very special 90th birthday.
Read more: Hansard; Humble Address on the Duke of Edinburgh’s 90th Birthday
Read more: The Official British Monarchy website