10 June 1921 - 9 April 2021
GORDONSTOUN MOURNS THE PASSING OF HRH THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH
If you would like to leave a tribute message, please click on the Add a Tribute link below.
Please note that messages are moderated and may not be published immediately.
My deepest sympathies to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. To lose someone who has been at one's side for 73 years is unimaginable. How wonderful to have had those 73 years together, even though the parting must be that much harder for it. His Royal Highness Prince Philip has left a legacy behind him which is felt all over the world, not only because of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, but also because of the person he was. In our own way, we mourn with the Queen.
A very sad farewell to an amazing person, who has been such an inspiration to so many. He was such a true gentleman, who served his country in Her Majesty's Royal Navy, before serving our nation. I personally met him during my own service in the Royal Navy, where my home village of Hopeman became the topic of the conversation. We feel so proud that our youngest son is now at Gordonstoun, where the legacy of the late Duke of Edinburgh began. Rest In Peace, Sir.
RIP, Sir. My condolences to the Royal family.
As a Duffus Helper (74), I believe that Prince Phillip was a complete Gordonstounian that we should all look up to in life. Kurt Hahn inspired us all, including the Duke of Edinburgh; that can only make the world a better place. Our family pass on our condolences to the Royal family. May Phillip rest in peace.
We give thanks for the remarkable life and service of HRH Prince Phillip, The Duke of Edinburgh. Our condolences are with the Royal Family and all those whose lives were touched by the Duke. Our daughter is an example of the opportunity afforded by her education at Gordonstoun. Long may the school and Kurt Hahn's philosophy of "Plus est en Vous" continue. A very fitting tribute from the school on Friday night and an incredibly moving funeral yesterday at Windsor. Thank you for this opportunity to show our respect in a personal way.
Our family decided that our daughter Ursula study at Gordonstoun because of the values and spirit of Kurt Hahn, which would not have shone so internationally without the powerful help of such an outstanding student in the four pillars that he implanted. And it is being a great decision and more in COVID-19 times; the Gordonstoun team is amazing at personal and academic levels. Our condolences to the Royal Family and Gordonstoun on his passing. May your spirit be remembered among its stones, and live in the joy of children and youth forever.
A very moving tribute. Thank you so much to everyone for the clear love, knowledge and care they put in to a brilliant memorial.
As an American now from California, I had the great pleasure of attending Gordonstoun School in the summer of '72 in a special exchange program. The many stories of Prince Philip were alive then as is his spirit today. It all comes back as I watched the heart-warming service at Windsor this morning. Gordonstoun and the staff provided me, as a young teacher, a wonderful cultural and historic experience that I treasure today. Visiting Balmoral, golfing with the Gordonstoun pro on the rugged "Links" courses overlooking the North Sea was unforgettable. Even had a hole-in-one. Prince Phillip set a great example for all of us. My humble condolences to all.
I send my deepest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen, and all her family, for the loss of HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh. My time at Gordonstoun profoundly influenced the rest of my life, for which I remain ever grateful.
A full and wonderful life has come to an end, but Prince Philip will live on in our memories. Rest in peace, Sir. My warm and sincere condolences go out to his family.
Duke of Edinburgh was and will always be an inspiration to the entire Gordonstoun community through out many generations. Despite his remarkable accomplishments the old Gordonstounian concept of Service Above Self was never forgotten in his life. May God Bless His Soul.
I'm a Mum of one of Gordonstoun's students from China who is attending in Year 12 now. I didn't know about Gordonstoun and the UK Royal Family before. I saw the news about the death of the Duke of Edinburgh. This year he would have turned 100 and I was so hoping that would happen. I am really sad about his leaving us.
What a great life! An exemplar of all that Kurt Hahn and Gordonstoun represent.
Prince Philip was one of the founding pupils who helped to give Gordonstoun the backbone it has today.
I feel proud to be an OG and sharing these tributes for a life of service well-lived in the true spirit of 'Plus est en Vous' and the next generation following in the footsteps of Hahn.
I recall barging through a door in Gordonstoun House almost directly into HRH Prince Philip on the other side, during a visit to see Prince Charles at school. Prince Philip looked neither surprised nor discomfited! What has struck me, and I believe many others is the wealth, breadth and depth of tributes to His Royal Highness. Those that particularly have caught my attention are: - The importance of Dr. Kurt Hahn in informing and in guiding him as a young man. - The impact of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme on over seven million participants in providing formative experiences in their lives. Our own three children achieved their Gold Awards. - The founding and growth of St. George's House at Windsor, in fostering intellectual enquiry, cogent debate and the search and the application of wisdom in many fields. - The power of convening, bringing together people with diverse attributes to contribute to the development of new and fresh perspectives and significantly, practical initiatives. - The critical importance of caring for the environment and its conservation and in particular, the World Wide Fund for Nature. - The importance of HRH Prince Philip's own Christian faith and his respect for, and dialogue, with those of other faiths. - The importance he gave to the Commonwealth as a force for the development of a fairer, more just and caring world. - HRH Prince Philip's enjoyment of competitive sailing, polo and carriage driving. The foundations laid at Gordonstoun yielded a remarkable legacy. Our sincere condolences are sent to Her Majesty the Queen and all members of the Royal Family.
My Father, Okill Stuart, was very proud of the fact that he had attended Gordonstoun 38-39 at at the same time as HRH and that they had kept in contact over the years. My father also managed to convince Prince Philip to attend the UEL convention in Lennoxville Qc at my father's other school Bishop's College School in 1989. HRH inspected the Cadet corps, presented THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARDS on that occasion and impressed the students immensely. My sympathies to the ROYAL FAMILY; may he long be remembered as the great man he was.
Thank you, Gordonstoun, for a really simple, honest, uplifting and beautiful Tribute for an inspirational OG. We are indebted both to Prince Philip and our / Hahn's / school which so inspired him and, I believe, in different ways, keeps inspiring us all.
Sending my deepest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and all the royal family for the loss of HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh. I am fortunate to have attended such a fabulous school. Thanks so much to the Duke for his inspirational views. He embodied the spirit of Gordonstoun that still continues. I have very fond memories of the school and my classmates (1974-1978). Cally
Integrity, Perseverance, Loyalty, Devotion, Individualism, Wit, Service, Kindness, Tenacity, Compassion and Understanding are just some of the attributes His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, displayed throughout his long and fruitful life. Patrick von Gordon, Bayreuth, Germany. Colour Bearer, Cumming House, 1971
My family send our deepest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and all the royal family for the loss of HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh. Two lovely memories of Prince Philip from my family are my father's first sighting of HRH Prince Philip when he was sitting outside Buckingham Palace with his mother for the Queen's coronation. My great grandfather. Sir Osbert Vesey. was on duty in Westminster Abbey; he led the gentlemen of arms down the aisle beside Her Majesty the Queen, after she was crowned. My Grandfather, William Forbes of Callendar, was an Archer on duty at the coronation. Both were honoured to be on duty for the Queen and Prince Philip on that very special day. My parents were invited to the Royal Guard drinks party at Balmoral some years ago. HRH the Duke of Edinburgh noticed my mother having a problem standing up, she was balancing on two sticks with a disability. Prince Philip asked my mother why she was not sitting down; my mother told Prince Philip "Sir, The Queen is standing, she could not sit down." Prince Philip immediately gave my mother a kind order "Sit down. Go on, sit down.". The Duke of Edinburgh kindly joined my mother and she loved every moment of his most lovely gesture towards her. My family mourn a distinguished outstanding gentleman, HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh.
I don't know if Gordonstoun moulded him, but I know he moulded Gordonstoun. We all owe him a debt of gratitude. From a life of certainty to one of uncertainty to one of service. I am who and what I am because of Gordonstoun. Thank you, sir, for showing the way. Plus et en vous.
With our deepest sorrow for the passing of Prince Philip and our condolences to all family members. It was a privilege to have been part of the School community, and leaning the value and care that was placed in it by the Prince's support and by the tireless teachers and staff on the magnificent coast of Northern Scotland. We were truly lucky.
He was one of the last of the generation forged amidst European turmoil and with a commitment to duty beyond belief. His memory must serve as an inspiration to all those who follow. Lest we forget!
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Prince Philip and my sincerest condolences go to Her Majesty and his family. I had great admiration for his ethos regarding building one's own resilience and using outdoor activities and services for the good of all. My own time in Mountain Rescue was a highlight of my time spent at Gordonstoun. In later life I joined Girlguiding as a Trainer, Assessor, DofE Expedition Supervisor and DofE Expedition Assessor in order to encourage girls and young women to enjoy the great outdoors. My own daughter completed her own DofE Gold Award in 2020. She had hoped to be presented with her award last year; sadly this was not to be due to Covid. But for all the many thousands of young people who took it in their stride to accomplish DofE and gain from it, we most certainly owe so much to Prince Philip. May he rest in peace.
We were as Colour Bearers assembled in the Round Square to listen to Kurt Hahn. He spoke to us for an hour or more. I don't remember what he spoke about, only the silence of reverence that befell us all when he ended his talk, no one wanted to move: the kind of silence that in a lifetime one can count on the fingers of one hand. My Moray Firth plankton project stole the time I needed to complete the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, but each of the dozens of trips I made with the MFV "Guide On" from Lossiemouth was a gold award. Thank you Gordonstoun, Kurt Hahn and Prince Philip for the kind of leadership we cannot do without.
Gordonstoun teaches that the most important element of good leadership is personal example. Prince Philip was the living embodiment of this ethos. Much has been written about his clear ideas and forthright opinions, and his sense of humour could light up a room in an instant. However, in addition, he was a very kind man who was always concerned about the little people. He added compassion to his own fine example. He was a very great man whom I am honoured to have met. My most sincere condolences to Her Majesty and all the Royal Family.
It is very sad to hear of the death the Duke of Edinburgh. He was one of the first boys to attend Gordonstoun and clearly enjoyed it. So much so that he sent all three of his sons to the school and his daughter, Princess Anne, subsequently sent her two children, Zara and Peter. Prince Philip's association with the school was an inspiration during my time there (1962-66) and we were all actively inspired by the challenges posed by the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme. For the last 73 years he built on his school experience to become an outstanding and inspiring figure within our monarchy - Plus est en vous.
It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Prince Philip. He is remembered with love and great fondness in my family. His memory is well preserved in the ideals of Gordonstoun and beautifully lived by its attendees!
The Duke was a reassuring bulwark against political correctness, a god to the Kastom people of Yaohnanen village on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu (formerly the New Hebrides), a refugee, a serving Royal Navy officer, a veteran of World War II, and (on the initiative of Kurt Hahn) founder and patron of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, from which so many young people here in Orkney and all over the World have benefited. Often a man ahead of his time, Prince Philip gave up a promising career to support his wife, and was an early champion of environmentalism and conservation. The Clackson family would like to express its sincerest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and to the Royal Family on the passing of this remarkable man. At our home, the West Manse on Sanday, we are flying the Union Flag at half-mast in tribute.
Image 1My son is a Gordonstoun student from Hong Kong. I am so sad indeed to hear of the news HRH Prince Philip has passed away. Prince Phillip visited Hong Kong five times, including twice accompanying Her Majesty the Queen in 1975 and 1986. The Duke of Edinburgh's Hong Kong Award was introduced in 1961; it has inspired many Hong Kong young students in generations to participate in the Award programmes and currently there are still roughly 53,000 youth participants in Hong Kong. The older generations in HK still remember how Prince Philip was well loved and warmly welcomed by the people here because of his approachable and common touch. The Duke of Edinburgh's role model of excellence in public service, his legacies, will never leave us, and will continue to inspire the Gordonstoun community, all of us, to do their best to contribute to society for a better tomorrow. He will always be missed.
Image 1 Image 2Our daughter entered Gordonstoun this year. We are proud that she will attend the school where such a great person as Prince Philip studied. We grieve with you sincerely.
Hearing all the things you'd done and thinking about how they'd touched the life of not just myself but many others, I realised how fortunate we've all been that you truly lived your life. Thank you for all those things you had a hand in, directly and indirectly. Going out to Kenya in 1984 with the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, joining with the president award scheme groups in joint ventures to give a hospital in Chogoria solar panels and then seeing rainbows above the clouds on reaching point Lenana would not have happened without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart as it's memories like this which help me get through the tough times. Thank you and rest in peace. Jennifer Whybrow
We grieve with you. The death of a person is a great loss for his family and friends. The death of a man like Prince Philip is a tragedy for all mankind.
An extraordinary man with an even greater legacy. My daughter was accepted into Gordonstoun this year and hoped to someday have the opportunity to meet Prince Philip. His service and work has inspired her to give back to her own community and help embody the spirit of service that Prince Philip had instilled in fellow Gordonstounians so long ago.
I would like to believe HRH Prince Philip's time at Gordonstoun shaped the man into what he was. A loving, family man albeit sometimes somewhat controversial. A great servant to the United Kingdom.
Thank you, Sir, for all your great work and very natural beliefs and abilities. Above all, always having a great sense of humour. Keeping yourself as your own man! I very much admired the ethos of your ways. Just totally inspirational. I was so very lucky to be a Naval scholar, as my father too went to Dartmouth - a Submariner. I can only imagine that you had something to do with that privilege! so Thank you so much. All of us have never known life without you...you had a great respect for all walks of life - that's truly an amazing gift and natural skill. I do hope that, amongst the fluffy clouds and sunshine, you will be designing yourself a land rover with wings so you can have more fun up there! What an amazing life - Thank You.
I was privileged to be one of the first two LeverHulme scholars going into 6th form at Gordonstoun in 1960. I had already started my Silver DofE, and that experience, plus my two years at the school, has shaped the rest of my life. I always admired the 'just do it' approach to life that HRH lived out for all those years. I desire nothing more than to complete my version of life with such dedication and service. A permanent national treasure and example - RIP sir!
Such a sad loss, Prince Philip will be greatly missed, but he will continue to inspire many; may he rest in peace. I send my sincere condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and all the Royal Family.
My first venture into the mountains was with a Duke of Edinburgh Award Silver group on Helvellyn in 1967. I didn't know it at the time but that expedition sowed the seed of a lifelong passion for mountaineering, which still burns brightly today. Eventually I worked as a mountaineering instructor and also taught at Gordonstoun introducing young people to the hills. That multiplier effect will have been replicated many times, cementing an enduring legacy for a great man in literally millions of people. Prince Philip espoused Plus est en Vous to the full and ensured that the educational principles of his mentor Kurt Hahn flourished around the world.
The Duke of Edinburgh was kind and made me feel very welcomed when I was 17, meeting the Royal family at Windsor as a friend of Prince Andrew. I feel honoured to have met him and shall always feel gratitude for his warmth towards me at quite a daunting time. My sincere condolences to all members of the Royal family. With love, Clio Pinkney.
Service is a pillar of a Gordonstoun education and the Duke of Edinburgh was the finest example of what a lifetime of service really means. What a marvellous inspiration and example for the Gordonstoun pupils of today and tomorrow.
As House Captain of Cumming House in 1975, I had the honour of meeting his HRH on several occasions and he proved to be the sort of man any man could look up to. God speed.
Iain Tennant's advice on leaving school: - Face the days ahead with a spirit of adventure, compassion, honesty and confidence. - Brave the stormy seas that will confront you. - Help those in trouble. - Cling to the Truth of your religion. The Duke of Edinburgh did all these things. He was of service to others, helped make them happy and so he was happy too. Thank you for upholding the ideals of Gordonstoun, putting them into action and supporting the school in so many ways. Thank you for giving your good wishes for the cricket tour to Barbados and Grenada. I'm sorry we could not produce a victory!
Through my Army career in the Royal Highland Fusiliers, I was fortunate to meet Prince Philip whilst a member of the Royal Guard at Balmoral in 1979 and on some other occasions. My wife and I were detailed to look after him at a Regimental drinks' party where the Band and the Pipes and Drums were playing outside the Ballroom on a miserable rain-soaked evening at Balmoral. When she said to him how sorry that they had to play in this terrible weather, he said "Nonsense they don't have to perform if they don't want to. They are there because they want to be. Bear in mind that I have been doing these events for many years!" I heard all this and agreed that he was quite right. No band would give up the opportunity and the honour of playing in front of the Regiment and their guests, which included the Royal Family, on any occasion, never mind the weather!
I am not a subject of Her Majesty, but I had the pleasure of attending Gordonstoun. Prince Philip was a man who has marked the political landscape on a world scale. When it comes to British political affairs, his presence seemed quite natural to me. He was a consistent and familiar face to me, so may I add my French voice to greet the people of Great Britain, my dear neighbours and friends, with this motto in my own native language "Plus est en Vous", "More is in You".
The Duke of Edinburgh was and still is the inspirational figure not only for Gordonstoun pupils but also to everyone who knew him. During his time at Gordonstoun, he showed courage and passion to everything that he ever tried. I am definitely proud and glad of an opportunity provided to study at the same place as The Duke of Edinburgh! All members of Trehub family give our condolences to the Royal Family! God save the Queen.
Prince Philip so faithfully lived to the end the roles he was given. I was appointed by Hahn in 1953, and for me he was our best ambassador from the beginning. He said the School had brought him intense happiness and excitement. For our brave Queen in her great loss there is much also to celebrate.
HRH honoured my home with kind visits; we had both acted as guardians. At Duffus, I was a close friend of his loved nephew, HRH Prince Max, who I visited at Salem last year. Gordonstoun was indeed God-gifted with world-talented Prince Philip. Prince Philip was, himself, God-gifted to have the inspirational Kurt Hahn care for him as the fraught young nephew of Dr Hahn's Schloss Salem world. No one could say to HRH Prince Philip "Plus est en vous": he gave all he had of his great gifts of organisation, wit, adventure and loyalty. God rest his soul.
A great servant to our Queen and our country, whose outlook on life and philosophy was undoubtedly moulded by his time at Gordonstoun. It is heartening to see the gratitude that this country and those around the world are rightly expressing at his long life of service and achievements.
Sir, you were the embodiment of our school motto' 'PLUS ET EN VOUS'.
Sending our deepest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and The Royal Family on the death of His Royal Highness, the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. We will be eternally grateful for his support and dedication to Her Majesty The Queen, and his support to the nation and Commonwealth.
I received the DoE Gold in 1958. I will always be in debt to this inspirational man and all that the scheme brought to my life.
Coming to Gordonstoun as a German-Korean student, I was initially more aware of Kurt Hahn's role in the school but less so of The Duke of Edinburgh's positive memory of - and influence on - Gordonstoun. But I will be eternally grateful for his role as an alumni. Especially as a teen girl, who in different times would not have had the chance to be a pupil, I am eternally grateful for the years spent there. Thank you, Prince Philip, for your support of the school. Plus est en vous! My condolences to his immediate family.
I never forgot the way he lit up when he began telling me stories about his time at Gordonstoun. How spontaneous Kurt Hahn could be. How the entire school could fit in the back of a single truck. He loved Gordonstoun so much, and his joy and enthusiasm were contagious and lasting. He will be missed very much.
Prince Philip entered my life in 1945 when I started at Wester Elchies and that connection has been with me ever since. I experienced an instance of exceptional kindness from him and met him on several occasions as a member of the then old boys association. The world is poorer for his death and my deepest sympathy is for Her Majesty The Queen.
Prince Philip was a man of his time and century - a trailblazer with a unique blend of talents , skills and gifts which made him an indispensable member of the Royal family. A shining light , leader, influencer , enhancer, source of inspiration and admiration. He was loyal and dedicated, a man of immense personal disciple and dedication to duty. He did have an extraordinary life and certainly promoted globally the virtues and reputation of Gordonstoun . May his soul rest in Perfect Peace.
His passing is a landmark for so many among us. His example is a benchmark for so many yet to come.
We are so sad. He was a man to be admired and emulated, who filled every unforgiving minute of his extraordinary life. Our thoughts are with the Queen, whose quiet courage has left us in awe. Our country has been so very fortunate to have had his service, and we are grateful. If our son leaves Gordonstoun to become half the man he was, we will be very proud.
HRH had an amazing life and a very full life. It has been a sad few days since his passing, but one unexpectedly pleasant and uplifting outcome is seeing familiar names in this tribute page, and fellow students and teachers from my time in the Archives section. It is a pity I did not attend my Gold DofE Award presentation to meet him personally; no doubt anyone who met/knew Prince Philip would have had a pleasant and uplifting experience, much like I have found today on this tribute site, and it is good to know that he is still bringing people together and has a lasting positive affect on those who knew of him.
I was so deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh. His leadership and advocacy for the best principles of Gordonstoun led to so many experiences that I feel shaped who I am, and give me strength to rely on, even in the hardest of times. I send my deepest sympathy to the Royal Family, and I remain certain that he will live on forever in our memories.
It is hard to imagine that without the Duke of Edinburgh, Gordonstoun may not have survived, and certainly not have laid the corner stone for a sense of fulfilment that any old boy has, that comes from the Gordonstoun experience. He was the true ambassador to what youth should become, with in their own being. I now live in America, but my thoughts are with all those in the UK, and the Royal family for the passing of such a great man. Sir, you will be missed by many that you did not know, but knew you.
My wife Eva and I decided that our daughter Ursula would study at Gordonstoun because of the values and spirit of Kurt Hahn, which would not have shone so internationally without the powerful help of such an outstanding student in the four pillars that he implanted. Our condolences to the Royal Family and Gordonstoun on his passing. May your spirit be remembered among its stones, and live in the joy of children and youth forever.
I came to teach at Gordonstoun in 1994. My main reason was because the School shared the values epitomised by the DofE Award with which I had been heavily involved in Wales since the 1970s. Coming to Gordonstoun was simply coming home. Thank you, Sir, for your engagement, passion and interest in the lives of so many young people.
Prince Philip gave up the naval career that he loved to support the Queen. He went on to create a role for himself as a family man, brilliantly expanding the meaning of that adjective to include the welfare of the wider community. Hundreds of thousands of those who are no longer young remember him and the achievement he made possible with lasting gratitude. Our thoughts are with the Queen and her immediate family.
R.I.P ... Phil
Consort, WWII Naval Commander, Lord High Admiral , Aviator, Conservationist, Carriage Driver, Engineer, Designer, Author, Sportsman, gold medalist, Patron, Orator, Traveller, Diplomat, Ecologist, President Emeritus, humourist, oldest ever living British Royal and modest to boot. Considered a God by the people of Vanatu. In awe. RIP to a giant of a man.
I met Prince Philip twice during my Royal Air Force career before I joined Gordonstoun. At our first meeting in 1978 at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, I was a young aircraft technician and quite nervous at the prospect but I needn't have worried - his sense of humour soon had my colleagues and I at ease, asking us for any good jokes that we knew and sharing a couple of his own. Twenty years later I met him at RAF Kinloss, where I was involved in a complex avionic engineering project. His walking route meant that he met me at one point then later he had to pass me again. We were ordered not to move until he had left the building. He had asked quite searching questions about the project and I'd answered in the same enthusiastic manner as him before he moved on to meet the next group. Fifteen minutes later he passed me for the second time on his way out - he turned towards me, smiled and said "Carry on, Sarge!" Small memories of meeting a great human being.
Gordonstoun and the philosophy espoused by Kurt Hahn were a part of His Royal Highness throughout his life. His joy during his visits to Gordonstoun was a delight to behold and his charismatic personality and good humour endeared him to all he met. His influence for good shone through. From the D of E Awards and all his many good causes, the example set by this great man of our time is a clarion call to us all. My thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family at this sad time.
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
Thank you for all that you did in your lifetime. An ambassador for developing character and the environment. I am grateful to work at a school that still holds your legacy and we will endeavour to keep it going.
HRH Prince Philip was a true example of service, always with good humour and humility. An example for us all, and will be greatly missed. God rest his soul.
I am proud to know that Gordonstoun had such an influence on HRH Prince Philip's life, and that it continues to inspire and support its students in the same way. I hope my son benefits and lives his life by the example of HRH.
Deepest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and The Royal Family on the death of His Royal Highness, the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. A truly remarkable man who absolutely embodied Plus Est En Vous.
At the 1972 DoE award ceremony, Prince Phillip took the time to stop and chat briefly with me, as the sole American recipient at that event. His graciousness and sincere interest has been a cherished and greatly appreciated memory. He was truly an exceptional man who will be long missed.
As on OG I feel very grateful to have been given an education that has enabled me to do many things in life, not least a passion for the outdoor life. It is testament to not only Kurt Hahn and the school that the Duke of Edinburgh embraced that education and made it possible for so many via the DofE scheme to achieve things that they may not have had the opportunity to do if the scheme did not exist. No doubt, wherever he is now, he is carrying on in the same way he lived his life
My father went to school with The Duke. Many of the photos, which you have seen in the press, were taken by him. He was not self-pitying, self-centred or "a victim". He was, forever, The Queen's liege man of life and limb. We will never look upon his like again.
HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, a man that lived a life of service with the ethos of Gordonstoun at it's heart. Certainly he gave his all to that service and we are challenged to follow his lead. Condolences to Her Majesty The Queen. RIP
His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was so inspirational for all educators worldwide. His deep love and interest for the young generation, his curiosity, his brilliant idea to install the Duke of Edinburgh Award will put him into the first line of important educators of the 20th century. His wittiness was legendary and hence an icebreaker in peculiar situations. He is a role model - and we will deeply miss him. Thank you, Sir, for your service!
The Duke of Edinburgh was the epitome of the spirit of our school and an incredible human being. RIP Sir.
For someone who might have been associated by some with a world of privilege, title and wealth, we see in fact an individual focused on the person, their intrinsic capacities and potential for personal growth. What can that person achieve on their own, through their own initiative, with others and for others? The building blocks of a complete world and a complete person. There is no sadness here, only a moment of deep respect and an expectation that others will grasp the significance of the example set and see the wider world for what it is, in its entirety, and the opportunities within. More is in you, both within you and with others and for others, together.
Lets face it, I was not a model pupil while I studied at Gordonstoun but through the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme I have some of the best memories that were made alongside life-long friends. I am grateful for those memories and thankful that I was able to learn about service, teamwork, resilience and loyalty during the scheme. Thank you for the opportunity. The school itself was also pretty good. Rest in peace.
As a former classmate of Prince Charles, I would like to express my deepest sympathy and condolences especially to him, as well as to the rest of the royal family, on the death of his father. The Duke of Edinburgh was an inspiration to us all.
It is a sad time, but I am grateful to have benefitted as a pupil, a teacher and a parent from his vision and leadership in promoting skills and confidence in young people. And he has inspired so many more by his life. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, particularly Her Majesty the Queen.
Thank you, Sir, for your lifetime of service, loyalty and inspiration. An example to us all.
For me and my family you will stay a role model for loyalty, resilience and stability. May the Queen and her family's grief be lined with love and confidence.
I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the Royal Family on behalf of me and my family. His Royal Highness Prince Phillip was, and will no doubt continue to be, a great inspiration to generations of people across the world. Throughout his life he faced many a hardship, yet upheld his values and principles through it all. The world has lost a great person and role-model. May he rest in peace.
It is with great sadness to hear of Prince Philip's passing. It is an honour to work at the school where he attended as one of the first pupils. He is an inspiration for resilience and service, and the country owes greatly to all he has done for us. As a proud recipient of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards I am extremely grateful.
Your Royal Highness, my parents and myself will never forget your role in British/German reconciliation after the second world war resulting in my chance to visit Gordonstoun. Thank you - may your soul rest in peace!
The tributes that continue to pour in from all corners of the globe are testament to the impact that Prince Philip had on so many, especially the young. No person better embodied Gordonstoun's four pillars of internationalism, challenge, responsibility and service. A life very well lived.
As the grandparents of a recent female student (Katharina D) of Gordonstoun, we would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II and her Family on the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. "The river of life flows into the sea of eternity. The thoughts of memory form a bridge far beyond life."
Remarkable man. One of the few who inspire us to lead our best lives.
As a teenager, I was out beating on the hills around my home in Royal Deeside. A very warm August day, I was wearing my Gordonstoun rugby shirt. As I approached the line of butts, the person in the nearest one shouted "Ah, a Gordonstoun boy. Jolly good!". His Royal Highness stepped out and made a point of chatting to me, despite his host and other more important people waiting for him. Always a proud Gordonstoun boy!
Prince Philip will be remembered as a great patron of Gordonstoun. His personal resilience, his steadfastness, and his sense of humor made and will continue to make him a true role model for many generations of pupils at Gordonstoun. He will be greatly missed.
Prince Philip had a dynamic personality and a very vivid sense of humour. We would like to convey our sincere condolences to the Queen and rest of his family.
Prince Philip: remembered for his service to others, his lifelong companionship and support for the Queen, and his quick wit and humour. A role model for us all.
A person that inspired so many of us. He may depart on this earth but never truly leaves.
We would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and The Royal family on the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. He has left a legacy of excellence in service, duty and the uplifting of children's opportunity to develop themselves through the DoE Award Scheme. We could not be prouder that our son Ryan is studying at Gordonstoun and experiencing that legacy first hand. Rest in Peace. You will be greatly missed.
Prince Philip's lifelong commitment to promoting success and achievement in young people is in itself enough to mark him out as a remarkable man and one that embodied the spirit of his old school. An inspiration to us all.
It feels good to be coming together again as a school after lockdown and listening to St. Christopher's bell chime 99 times brings home how full a life this remarkable man and OG has led. Feeling sad but also inspired!
First of all, we send our deepest condolences to the royal family and Gordonstoun School on the demise of Prince Philip. May he Rest In Peace. With the knowledge of the great achievements the school have and having boarded such a remarkable person, the late prince Philip, we can proudly say that we are delighted to have our son, Rami, being part of that legacy.
Prince Philip was a wonderful man and an inspiration to all. We are very saddened by his passing and are thinking of the Queen and her family. He touched millions of lives and his legacy will continue to do so.
Incomparable.
What a long life so well lived. So sad to hear of the death of Prince Phillip, he carried the Gordonstoun ethos throughout his life of service, was a constant supporter of the school and an inspiration to us all.
I am greatly saddened at the news of the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Phillip. Having been fortunate enough to have worked at GISS (Gordonstoun International Summer School), I have come to understand the values and ethos which Gordonstoun and Prince Philip enshrined. I will always be proud to uphold these values which he embodied throughout his truly inspirational life.
What a man. So much to take in and admire. And it's lovely to see the richly deserved public outpouring of affection he's currently attracting. He sums up all that is great about the Gordonstoun ethos.
Prince Philip lived his life by the values he learnt at Gordonstoun and brought the ethos to a much wider world. The world is a better place because of him and his Gordonstoun education. Farewell to one of our greatest pupils and exemplars. RIP
A very sad day indeed. However, what a legacy the Duke of Edinburgh leaves the UK and those further afield who he met and influenced. His exemplary service and career in the Royal Navy was cut short; however; he went on to provide unrelenting and often understated support to our Queen. A life very well lived.
A truly inspirational man who undoubtedly modelled the Gordonstoun ethos. It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to share my life with someone who demonstrated such strong support for both our Queen and country.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award are extremely powerful legacies and great examples of Prince Phillip's enormous contribution throughout all his years of service. He will be missed.
It is clear that Gordonstoun meant a great deal to His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh- one of his legacies is the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme borne from his experiences at the school. That scheme alone has meant that thousands of youngsters around the world have found more in themselves: it is so saddening that the Duke of Edinburgh has passed; however, his spirit to stretch, strive and challenge oneself for others lives on.
As a family with two generations at Gordonstoun we have been deeply moved by the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh today, especially when reflecting on the impact he has had, not just on our own experiences at the school, but in the wider world. We doubt anyone will ever quite uphold the four pillars in the way he did; internationalism, challenge, responsibility and service, an exemplary representation of them all. Our deepest sympathies with the family. There is more in all of us.
Founding the DofE has influenced 1000s of young people; getting outdoors, appreciating the environment, learning about themselves and service to their community and country. What a legacy and strength instilled at his beloved Gordonstoun. RIP Prince Phillip and huge thanks.
Prince Phillip leaves behind a legacy through the DofE Award schemes that have been a life changing experience for thousands - if not millions - of kids through the years and into the future; a scheme that owes its roots to Gordonstoun. From one former pupil to another: you will be missed.
As the parent of two recent students of Gordonstoun whose lives have been transformed by this unique high school in the World, I am very saddened to learn that HRH the Duke of Edinburgh has just passed away. He demonstrated, more than any other, Kurt Hahn's motto, "Plus est en Vous" ("More is in You"). He was a great man. May he rest in peace.
So very sad to hear the news of Prince Philip passing away today ... though what a life to celebrate. Thank you for all that you have done to support so many facets of so many lives. Thoughts of course with your family and especially the Queen.
I am incredibly proud to hear and read the wonderful tributes to the Duke of Edinburgh. His understated, modest nature combined with his humour, service and determination perfectly embodied the school's ethos. Plus est en Vous.
I can't think of a more impressive example of a former pupil who embodied the ethos of the school and carried it with him throughout his life.
The Duke of Edinburgh will be sincerely missed throughout the Gordonstoun community, however never forgotten as his legacy is an inspiration to us all for everything he accomplished during his admirable life.
Gordonstoun will always be grateful for the support the Duke of Edinburgh gave to our educational ethos and the inspiration he provided to staff and students over several generations. Through the Duke of Edinburgh's Award he ensured millions of young people across the world have had the opportunity to experience Kurt Hahn's ethos.
It is with great sadness today that we have been told that The Duke of Edinburgh had passed away peacefully. My thoughts and prayers are with the Queen and the rest of the Royal Family today and the coming weeks. R.I.P., Prince Philip.
My father, Robert Laird Mackie, attended Gordonstoun with HRH Prince Philip, so it is with great sadness that we received the news of the end of an era for these first founding pupils . Both of them thrived at the school and I think the influence of Gordonstoun has shone throughout the Duke's life.
No-one has more epitomised the spirit of Plus est en Vous and shown us what a life of service really means. What a legacy he leaves us.
We were very sad to hear of the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh. We send our deepest condolences to the family of HRH Price Phillip; we hope our prayers may help to cope with the passing of the beloved Great-Grandfather, Grandfather, Father and Husband of HRH Queen Elizabeth II, although we know well that it is a great loss that is difficult to overcome. It is an honour that our son Thorben has lived the spirit of Gordonstoun since 2015, that he was very fortunate to see the Duke of Edinburgh when he last visited his school and that he too can be a part of the great Gordonstoun family. With our greatest sympathies to the Royal Family, Baron Thorben von Ledebur Baron Heinrich von Ledebur and Baroness Renate von Ledebur Baroness Franziska von Ledebur Langen, Germany.