One of the Duke of Edinburgh’s many godparents said he would be “pleased” with the service held in his memory at Westminster Abbey.
Elizabeth Hornbeam, who flew in New Zealand to the service on Tuesday and attended along with her son, Richard Rice-Grab, said the Duke was a friend of her father after they served together in the Navy.
She said Philipin which there were reportedly more than 50 godparents, became her godfather just before marrying The Queen.
I think he would be happy wherever he was
Speaking outside Westminster Abbey, she said: “It was a wonderful service and I think just right.
“It was the right tone and I’m sure it was right for Prince Philip.
“The music was great. Dean Windsor’s address was excellent.
“I think he would be happy wherever he was.”
She added: “Throughout my life, in different small and big ways, he has been with me, so I am very happy to have been able to be here today.
“I am glad that I was here not only for myself, but also for my father, who has been gone for a long time.
“It was very nice, especially for the Queen, that everyone said goodbye.”
It was a very simple service that reflected the life of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh and the social goals to which he attached his life.
Baron McFaul of Alcluth, a member of the House of Lords, said the service was a “historic moment” and echoed the dean’s words, recalling the duke as “the man who helped make the world a better place”.
Speaking next to Westminster Abbey, he said: “It was a historic moment and the Queen’s presence made it so.
“It was a very simple service that reflected the life of His Royal Highness the Duke Edinburgh and the social goal to which he set his life.
“The dean described him as a man of faith and a man who helped make the world a better place.
“The Duke of Edinburgh’s scheme (award) was definitely like this. It started in the 1950s and has helped many people.
“It was appropriate that the first tribute was from the winner of the gold award under the scheme of the Duke of Edinburgh.”
Asked how he felt about attending the ceremony, Baron McFaul added: “I feel very privileged to be in such an environment, but also to respect the work of the person, but also the humanity that was there.
“It simply came to our notice then.
“The Duke of Edinburgh was a mortal man, like all of us, but he had special qualities.”
The Duke of Edinburgh has been an inspiration for many of us
The Honorable Clarence Tan, President of the New Zealand Society, whose patron was the Duke for 69 years, told the PA news agency: “It was a beautiful ceremony.
“The Duke of Edinburgh has been an inspiration for many years to many of us.
“His devotion to charity was second to none.
“He has always shown great interest in our charity, so it was great to be here to thank His Royal Highness for the work he has done.”
Lord Keith Bradley, Chairman of the University Council of Salford, was present along with Festus Robert, President of the University Student Union.
Responding to a question about the ceremony, a colleague said: “Beautiful music, a wonderful tribute to Prince Philip – it has very effectively put his life.
“It has always been a privilege for us to be part of these activities, and Prince Philip has been Chancellor of Salford University for many years and has done an excellent job for the University.”
Mr Robert added: “I think it was very nice to hear from some of the Duke of Edinburgh’s award winners.
“It inspired the youth as well.”
Fiona Evans of the Society of St. Nazer, who went to the service with her husband Crispin Evans, described the service as a “very honest image” of Philip.
