How prince Philip changed the life of Saxion-student Richie Vest

Photo: Michael Garnett // flickr/creativecommons

In the English town where first-year Software Engineering student Richie Vest grew up, poverty was rife. There was little to no funding for extracurricular activities, and most families didn't have the resources to pay for sports or anything else. When Prince Philip established his program "The Duke of Edinburgh's Award," he built a youth club in the town where Vest grew up. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a program dedicated to youth activities and youth awards.

The club was a place where kids could be themselves and receive education on values and standards. "I was in the Albert Heijn when I heard the news about his death. My first thought went to the youth club and the influence prince Philip indirectly had on my personal life. Some of my best memories take place there, for that I will always be grateful to him," says Vest.

Eight years in the army

Vest served nearly eight years in the British Army. “The military is patriotic. We wore the flag on ours arms and that gave us a sense of pride. The Queen is always number one and Prince Philip is part of that. Apart from the military duty I had, I have enormous respect for the Duke and how he handled his status. Now that he's passed away I think it's important to dwell on that.”

Twenty-four-year-old Adam Summerfield lived in the southeast of England (Hastings) until he was 17. Since then he lived in various places, including Taiwan. For a number of years now he has lived in the Netherlands where he studies Software Engineering at Saxion University.

A human, like you and me

Unlike Vest, Summerfield doesn’t necessarily feels connected to the prince or the royals in general. “It may sound harsh, but when I read the news about his passing I thought: “Finally”. He lived up to an incredible age of 99 years old and I respect him for the life he led. Despite his status, it hasn't always been easy for him, but he’s just a human being just like you and me.”

Summerfield has no intention of honoring or commemorating the late prince in any special way; he's just moving on. "However, I do think this is a good time to read up and learn from his life."

An encounter

Jonathan Howard, a fourth-year Electrical & Electronic Engineering major, commemorated the late prince by burning a few candles. Howard was born and raised in Newcastle and went to Washington School where he met the royals in person. “I’ve always looked up to Prince Philip and was a little disappointed when I read the news of his passing. He reached a beautiful age, but was so close to 100. I would’ve liked him to have had that.”

Howard tells about his encounter with the royal couple in 2009. He still has this memory clearly in mind and says he would like to hold onto this memory for a long time. “We were told there would be a special guest, but we didn't know who it was. The song Pokerface by Lady Gaga came out around that time, so our hopes were pinned on her. You can imagine how shocked we were to be face to face with the queen and the prince instead.”

What stuck with Howard most of all is the interest the Duke showed for everyone. "He really took the time to engage in a conversation with each and every one of us, which amazed me greatly. He won my respect with that."

Resilient Queen

Finally, we talk briefly about the great loss to the Queen. After a marriage of 73 years, it seems as an almost impossible task to live without her husband. Yet, Howard has no doubts about the Queen's resilience. “She's had a lot to deal with, and even though she's obviously grieving a lot, there's no doubt the Queen will get through this.”

It is customary for the Queen to send a personal telegram to anyone in England who reaches the age of 100. “I hope the Queen reaches 100, then she writes her own telegram: for her and for Philip."