Remembering Prince Philip and his legacy in Saskatchewan

Prince Philip visited Saskatchewan eight times between 1951 and 2005.

Michael Jackson co-ordinated many royal tours during his time as the province’s former chief of protocol.

He last met the Duke of Edinburgh in 2005 during the province’s centennial celebrations.

“He was always very popular, down to earth (with a) great sense of humour. (He) liked to talk to people, young people. He had a good rapport with people in Saskatchewan,” said Jackson, who’s now retired.

“I remember him giving me a nice pen. He said, ‘Actually, the box is a lot more valuable than the pen.’ That (is the) kind of joke he’d make. It was fun being with him.”

Philip’s contribution to the monarchy was more than just marrying and supporting Queen Elizabeth II.

Jackson said Philip brought the monarchy into the contemporary world.

“He was always plugged into what was going with the youth, with business, with labour, sports, the environment and contributed a great deal to that not only in the United Kingdom, but Commonwealth countries like Canada,” Jackson said.

Jackson said Philip was known for his jokes and honesty.

“He tended to be very blunt,” Jackson said with a chuckle. “Sometimes (he) ruffled feathers because he was quite upfront about his opinions, but people liked him for that because he didn’t pussyfoot around.”

Philip was an avid sports fan and advocate for the environment. One of his lasting legacies was his work with youth. He created the Duke of Edinburgh study tour and awards among other youth programs.

“(He did it) for young achievers which has a strong presence all over the Commonwealth,” Jackson said. “In particular in Canada for example, there is a Duke of Edinburgh Award in Saskatchewan.”

An elementary school in Saskatoon also bears his name.

Lt.-Gov. Russ Mirasty extended the province’s sympathies to The Royal Family.

“(Philip) was much loved and will be fondly remembered,” Mirasty said in a statement.

“In addition to his lifelong support of Her Majesty, The Duke was Patron or President of over 800 organizations. The Duke of Edinburgh Award, which he founded in 1956, inspired millions of young people to serve their communities and to expand their knowledge through experience.”

Premier Scott Moe also offered his condolences.

“His sense of duty to the Canadian Armed Forces, our youth through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and so many other endeavours, endeared him to us all,” Moe wrote in a statement.

“We share in this sorrow with millions of others across the Commonwealth and the world. It is our hope that the knowledge of the extraordinary impact that His Royal Highness had on so many people and organizations in his many decades of public life will provide comfort and solace.”

Flags on all Government of Saskatchewan buildings are to be lowered to half mast until sunset on the evening of the prince’s funeral. A virtual book of condolence can be found at www.ltgov.sk.ca.