In memoriam
HRH The Prince Philip: Philanthropist and Freemason Not only did the late Duke of Edinburgh share our charitable values, he was also a fellow Freemason. We celebrate a life well lived and share your memories of HRH The Prince Philip
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he Duke of Edinburgh became a Freemason in 1952, at the age of 31. He was initiated into Navy Lodge, No 2612, on 5 December. On 6 March 1953, HRH The Prince Philip progressed to the Second Degree of Freemasonry, before advancing to the Third Degree on 4 May 1953. United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) issued his Grand Lodge Certificate on 7 May that same year and he remained a member throughout his life. The Duke of Edinburgh was born on Corfu on 10 June 1921, the only son of Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg. He therefore held the title Prince of Greece and Denmark. In 1939, Prince Philip joined the Royal Navy as a cadet, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Prince Louis, who was Admiral of the Fleet and First Sea Lord. He had a long and successful career and rose to the rank of Commander. Prince Philip was also a qualified pilot and was the first member of the Royal Family ever to fly out of Buckingham Palace in a helicopter. As a Freemason, Philip was known to drop into meetings at his Freemasons Lodge almost unannounced. Navy Lodge has a storied past and an amazing roster of luminaries appears upon its membership roll. The lodge prides itself on being the premier naval lodge in the world, with an unparalleled history that includes four monarchs as past members – King Edward VII, King Edward VIII, King George VI and King George II of the Hellenes. Freemasons can count other members of the Royal Family among their number, including HRH The Duke of Kent, the longest-serving Grand Master of UGLE. As well as members of the Royal Family, Navy Lodge can proudly name three winners of the Victoria Cross among its past and present members; numerous admirals, generals, vice-admirals and senior officers; as well as other notable names such as Sir Ernest Shackleton, Robert Scott – known as Scott of the Antarctic – and many more.
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There is also a Duke of Edinburgh Lodge, No 1182, Liverpool, which was issued a warrant on 2 July 1867 and was consecrated on 1 August 1867. The lodge was named after Prince Alfred Ernest Albert, who was then Duke of Edinburgh and the son of Queen Victoria. In addition, there is a Duke of Edinburgh Lodge in London, No 1259, which was consecrated on 4 May 1869. The lodge was also named after Prince Alfred Ernest Albert, who became Duke of Edinburgh in 1866. On 9 April this year, Freemasons came together to pay their respects in a special edition of Time to Toast, led by The Pro Grand Master Peter Lowndes. Freemasons have also launched a campaign inviting their 200,000 members to raise funds for charities that the Prince supported. Throughout his life, he was patron, president or honorary member of some 992 organisations, with special interests in issues from technological research to conservation. Dr David Staples, chief executive of United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), said: ‘Prince Philip was well known for his charity work, having been involved with numerous organisations. He was devoted to philanthropy, and therefore the best way to celebrate his life is by supporting the charities that the Prince himself supported. ‘For us, this was an easy decision as Freemasonry’s core values are charity, integrity, respect and friendship. The Freemasons have been quietly getting on with making society and the lives of those less fortunate better for more than three centuries.’ Turn over the page to read fond memories of Prince Philip shared by fellow Freemasons.
The Duke of Edinburgh became a Freemason in 1952 at the age of 31
‘The best way to celebrate his life is by supporting the charities that the Prince himself supported’ FMT Summer 2021
14/05/2021 13:18
