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Tributes to Prince Philip as Palace announces his retirement
Community leaders fondly remembered visits the Duke of Edinburgh made over the years
May 4, 2017 14:47
Community leaders fondly remembered visits the Duke of Edinburgh made over the years
May 4, 2017 14:47Jewish leaders have paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh after it was announced he will retire from royal duties later this year.
Buckingham Palace announced today that Prince Philip, 95, will no longer carry out public engagements after August, although he may still choose to attend certain public events “from time to time”.
Jonathan Arkush, Board of Deputies president, wished the Duke a happy retirement, fondly recalling giving him a tour of a Jewish school 17 years ago.
Mr Arkush said: "Prince Philip has given long and tireless public service to our country for over 60 years.
“I had the honour of conducting him on a tour of Hertsmere Jewish Primary School at its opening in 2000 when I was the chair of governors.
“He was a wonderful guest, engaging beautifully with the children and giving an outstanding witty speech. It was a memorable occasion which those present will always recall with pleasure."
Simon Johnson, the chief executive of the Jewish Leadership Council, said: “His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh has been selfless and dedicated in his public service.
“His commitment to the wellbeing of the Jewish community, and all of the peoples of our country, has been outstanding. We wish him a healthy and contented retirement.”
The Duke of Edinburgh attended 110 days of engagements last year, making him the fifth busiest member of the Royal Family, according to Court Circular listings.
Ben Barkow, the director of the Wiener Library, said the “unbelievably impressive” Prince once, at a royal function in 2005, recalled a fundraising dinner he attended for the Holocaust archive more than 20 years previously.
He said: “He takes his commitment so seriously and he remembers all the work he’s done over the years. He must attend so many events but he remembered ours all those years later.”
Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, thanked the Duke of Edinburgh for "shining a spotlight" on the importance of remembering and educating the public on the Holocaust.
She said: "I will never forget the mutual affection, humour and respect shared between (Prince Philip) with survivors and liberators in 2015 when he and the Queen visited Bergen-Belsen. We wish him a happy and well-earned retirement."