We were saddened to hear of the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh who has taken such an active and influential role here in London's home of science and arts. Here we remember just some of his visits and involvement with our South Kensington cultural and educational institutions.
The Duke of Edinburgh showed a great appreciation for science and technology and was a great supporter of the work of the Science Museum Group. The Duke of Edinburgh visited the museum several times together with the Queen to open an Engineers' Day Exhibition, to open the Science Museum Library and the gallery now known as the Energy Hall.
In recent years, The Duke of Edinburgh also joined Queen Elizabeth II on a visit to the Science Museum in 2014, an event that created headlines around the world as Her Majesty sent her first tweet at the official opening of the Information Age gallery.
In recognition of his commitment to science and technology, the Duke of Edinburgh was elected a Fellow of the Science Museum in 2014. This prestigious accolade recognises some of the scientists and individuals who have changed our world through academic research, design, technology and philanthropy. The Science Museum's blog reflects further.
At Imperial College London, The Duke was made an Honorary Doctor of Science in recognition of his wide-ranging initiatives for young people as well as his outstanding support for scientific and technological research.
The Duke of Edinburgh had an important role for the Royal College of Art with over 50 years as the College's Royal Visitor, a position which Prince Charles took over in 2019. In 1959 he created The Prince Philip Designers Prize which rewarded innovation and creativity in design, and he regularly chaired the jury for the Prize.
The Royal Albert Hall regularly hosted the Duke of Edinburgh at more than 118 events to commemorate royal birthdays, charity festivals and ceremonies, often with Her Majesty The Queen, before retiring from his official royal duties in 2017. Prince Philip, made a visit with Her Majesty The Queen to attend a special 80th Birthday Prom held in her honour in 2006. The Hall also held a special concert in 2001 to mark the 45th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and his 80th birthday.
The V&A has been honoured with many Royal visits from as early as 1948 when accompanying The Queen Mother and Princess Margaret – some four years before The Queen’s Coronation. This Royal visit marked the Anglo Danish Society Reception, coinciding with the museum’s Anglo Danish exhibition.
As patron and collector, as well as designer and artist, The Duke of Edinburgh held a deep personal interest in British design, architecture and engineering, championing creativity and industry throughout his lifetime. The Prince Philip Designers Prize, created in 1959 as a response to post-war austerity, is just one example of his great personal engagement. Some of the recipients’ works now reside in the V&A’s collection. To find out more, visit the V&A's blog.
For over forty years, The Duke of Edinburgh was President for The Royal Commission of the Exhibition of 1851 and was hugely influential in modernising the Commission and continued to take a close interest in their affairs in retirement. The Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 awards some 35 postgraduate Fellowships and Scholarships a year, for advanced study and research in science, engineering, the built environment and design
In November 2017, The Duke of Edinburgh unveiled a plaque to commemorate the opening of the new Design Museum, a listed 1960s London landmark in the heart of Holland Park.
At the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) The Duke of Edinburgh visited for the Mount Everest 60th Anniversary event.
You can send a message of condolence to The Royal Family here.
