The President of Tynwald has paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh during parliament.
Steve Rodan OBE spoke before Tynwald members on Thursday, stating before proceedings: ’Members, it was with great sadness that less than one week ago we learnt of the passing of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.
’In recent days, we have been reminded of the commitment to duty and public service to which his long life was devoted, through the many sincere worldwide tributes which have been paid to His Royal Highness.’
Mr Rodan went on to detail how Prince Philip visited the Isle of Man on a number of occasions.
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The first was during the TT of 1949, when he flagged off the riders.
His first official visit with Her Majesty the Queen, followed on August 9, 1955, when there was a special sitting of Tynwald in Douglas at which the Queen presided.
They then toured the length and breadth of the island, the Manx people turning out in their thousands to greet Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh.
He said: ’His Royal Highness was to experience further aspects of Manx life with another visit in 1969, again for the TT, and a trip on the Douglas horse trams, with the Queen and other members of the Royal Family during their visit of 1972.
’This was something he would often recount in the years to come whenever he met someone from the Isle of Man.’
Mr Rodan detailed how In August 1989, the Queen opened the new extension of the Manx Museum and the Prince opened the new generator at Pulrose Power Station. Both attended the Royal Manx Agricultural Show at King George V Park (the Bowl) that year.
Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh visited for the millennium year of Tynwald in 1979, and in 2003.
In closing, Mr Rodan said: ’With these happy memories of His Royal Highness’s times visiting these shores in mind, at this time of sorrow for the royal family, our thoughts and prayers are today with them. On behalf of Tynwald court, I extend to Her Majesty our deepest condolences.’
A minute’s silence was observed before proceedings.
’In recent days, we have been reminded of the commitment to duty and public service to which his long life was devoted, through the many sincere worldwide tributes which have been paid to His Royal Highness.’