In honor of Prince Philip’s upcoming 90th birthday, The Independent has compiled a list of ninety gaffes made by Queen Elizabeth II’s husband. Casual racism or clever witticisms? I’ll let you decide.
Here are some of my personal favorites:
“Can you tell the difference between them?” On being told by President Obama that he’d had breakfast with the leaders of the UK, China and Russia.
This one would work much better if China were replaced by, like, Australia or Switzerland or something. I’d be a liar if I said that this one didn’t make me laugh like hell all the same.
“So who’s on drugs here?… HE looks as if he’s on drugs.” To a 14-year-old member of a Bangladeshi youth club in 2002.
Wise. I always assume 14 year olds are on drugs unless proven otherwise.
“People think there’s a rigid class system here, but dukes have even been known to marry chorus girls. Some have even married Americans.” In 2000.
Touché, your Majesty. Touché.
“They’re not mating are they?” Spotting two robots bumping in to one another at the Science Museum in 2000.
You just know that if the answer was yes he would want to watch. You saucy ol’ (royal) man, you.
“This could only happen in a technical college.” On getting stuck in a lift between two floors at the Heriot Watt University, 1958.
Surely the Prince (and Duke of Edinburgh) watches Seinfeld, right? I get the distinct feeling that he would love it.
“If you travel as much as we do you appreciate the improvements in aircraft design of less noise and more comfort – provided you don’t travel in something called economy class, which sounds ghastly.” To the Aircraft Research Association in 2002.
Well, he’s a hell of a lot more charming when making such bone-headed classist remarks than our own wacky super-duper-right-wingers, more than every Republican and Libertarian in the United States combined. (And in all fairness to Prince Philip, it is ghastly.)
“It is my invariable custom to say something flattering to begin with so that I shall be excused if by any chance I put my foot in it later on.” Full marks for honesty, from a speech in 1956.
In a fit of wisdom, PP (as he told me to personally call him) drops truth bombs. Cheers!
