Inside the beautiful photo of Prince Philip that the queen keeps on her desk

To world leaders gathered in Glasgow for the United Nations climate conference, the Queen Elizabeth – absent on the “orders” of the doctors – sent a loud and clear message: “It is no longer the time for words, but the time for action”, he declared, “Nobody lives forever, but we need to think about children, grandchildren”. A hard, decisive speech, but also one of the most personal ever. His Majesty, in fact, spoke with a beautiful photo of her husband Filippo, who passed away on April 9, behind his back. Philip surrounded by hundreds of butterflies.

Elizabeth II recalled that the Duke of Edinburgh understood the importance of preserving the planet well over fifty years ago. “This is a duty that I am particularly happy to fulfill, since the impact on the environment of human progress it was a subject dear to my dear late husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh», Continued the sovereign,« I remember well that in 1969 at an academic meeting he said: “If the world pollution situation is not critical at this moment, it is certain that it will become more and more intolerable in a very short time” ». Philip far-sighted and wise, Philip his pride. The same pride, he concluded, that he feels today for Charles and William, who continue to carry on the environmental commitment of Prince Philip.

The photo chosen by the queen is symbolic, but also intimate. It was taken during the Duke of Edinburgh’s voyage in Mexico in 1988, within his role as president of the WWF. Philip was observing the migration of monarch butterflies and had worked on several initiatives to try to preserve their habitat, which is threatened by deforestation.

Her Majesty wanted to pay homage to her beloved husband also with another highly symbolic detail. Dressed in green, she chose to wear a brooch in the shape of a butterfly, of diamonds and rubies, received a few days before marrying the Duke of Edinburgh in 1947.

The Queen and Prince Philip at Windsor Castle, 2020

Royal biographer Robert Jobson called Elizabeth II’s Cop26 speech “wonderful,” but pointed out which would have made Prince Philip “blush”. “Such a tribute to a shy man, such as Prince Philip, would surely have embarrassed him. But it shows how rightly his Majesty is proud of him», He explained to Daily Mail. From the death of her husband onwards, the queen’s public communication has definitely changed. Her Majesty indulges in jokes, once the prerogative of her husband, and in public displays of affection towards Philip, but also of other family members. “It’s as if the approach to emotions has changed,” note real observers. The sovereign now reveals even her most private face, after decades of never complain never explain. Everything at the right time.

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