Filey lifeboat crewman shares his memories from when the Duke of Edinburgh presented his daughter with an award

John Ward, press officer for Filey Lifeboat, and his wife Joanna were introduced to the Duke of Edinburgh when he presented their daughter Alexandra with Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College’s Sword of Honour for outstanding achievement in 2015.

“He asked where we came from and when we told him Filey, he said that he remembered that there was a Butlins Holiday Camp at Filey,” said Mr Ward.

“He also spotted my RNLI long service badge and asked about Filey Lifeboat.

“He wondered whether we had had a busy year and he wanted us to pass on his best wishes to the coxswain and the crew.

“He was a most pleasant and relaxed gentleman and he displayed a remarkable charm and knowledge.

“ And he was so nimble for someone of his age. He arrived by helicopter and inspected a large number of the cadets at Welbeck and then took the salute as they marched past before going on to present all the awards on a stiflingly hot July day.

“A fantastic memory for us on Alex's achievements and on meeting HRH Prince Philip.”