The Wit and Humour of Prince Philip

[CaliforniaDreamin]

I know the Duke of Edinburgh's humor is offensive to some people and I understand why, but I have always found him hilariously funny...I find myself laughing at some comments he makes that I probably SHOULDN'T be laughing at.

I can't think of any other type of Royal male with that type of humor!

[BeatrixFan]

It must be extremely hard to keep up with the times as a public figure. Philip isn't a politician - he's a consort. I'm sure he reads the newspapers but I can't see a memo going round briefing the members of the Royal Family on how to refer to different groups of people. It's just madness. I mean, in certain cases you probably don't have to mention it. There was a wonderful sketch on 'The League of Gentlemen' where a man sat down on a bench next to a blind man and made some generally offensive comments without meaning too. He was trying to be politically correct. "How do you shave?", he asked. The blind man said, "I manage". The chap then said, "Oh I See. Is that why you see so many bearded-" and then thinking better of it said, "cyclists". It was very funny and it made me think of Philip at the time - I'm sure that sometimes he says things and then thinks afterwards, "Shouldnt have said that". But in all fairness, the people he's said these things too shouldn't have reported them on to the press. It isn't fair.

[Elspeth]

I don't believe they are humans. Not in the slightest. Threatening to kill people? Burning embassies? It doesn't sound like a human being to me - it sounds like an animal.

Well, try as I might, there's only one animal species I can come up with that pulls this sort of stunt, and it's H. sapiens. Granted, there are psychopathic individuals in any social species, but some of this sectarian hatred isn't due to mental illness or whatever, it's based at least to an extent in feelings that one group isn't being respected or treated humanely by another group.

As Smilla said, Prince Philip, in his public life, shouldn't be going around belittling other cultures and races in public unless it really is UK government policy to do so. What he believes and says in private is his own business, of course, bearing in mind that his private life is somewhat less private than most people's simply because of the large number of people in the royal household.

[Australian]

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Prince_...e_of_Edinburgh
these are some quotes of Prince Philip. In one of them, he says to some Australian aboriginals "Do you still throw spears at eachother?" lol He should know more about a country that is in the commonwealth! Or maybe he was just joking.

[Skydragon]

Originally Posted by Australian

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Prince_...e_of_Edinburgh
these are some quotes of Prince Philip. In one of them, he says to some Australian aboriginals "Do you still throw spears at eachother?" lol He should know more about a country that is in the commonwealth! Or maybe he was just joking.

He has a razor sharp wit and an absolutely brilliant sense of British humour. That seems to be the difference between the British and other countries, we don't even query the fact that he was joking!

[Warren]

Originally Posted by Australian

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Prince_...e_of_Edinburgh
these are some quotes of Prince Philip. In one of them, he says to some Australian aboriginals "Do you still throw spears at each other?" lol He should know more about a country that is in the commonwealth! Or maybe he was just joking.

Not trying to stir anything up here, but the fact is that some less acceptable tribal 'traditions' still linger.

[Skydragon]

Originally Posted by Warren

Not trying to stir anything up here, but the fact is that some less acceptable tribal 'traditions' still linger.

Obviously then, he got his information from you!

[Skydragon]

Originally Posted by Elspeth

As Smilla said, Prince Philip, in his public life, shouldn't be going around belittling other cultures and races in public unless it really is UK government policy to do so. What he believes and says in private is his own business, of course, bearing in mind that his private life is somewhat less private than most people's simply because of the large number of people in the royal household.

The remark about the Chinese was a private remark to a group of British tourists and he cannot be held responsible for every little nobody, who wants to see their name in print.

[Elspeth]

Originally Posted by Skydragon

The remark about the Chinese was a private remark to a group of British tourists and he cannot be held responsible for every little nobody, who wants to see their name in print.

I think by now he should have realised that when he says things like that to people in public (and these weren't his friends in a private home or whatever), they're liable to end up in print.

[Idriel]

Originally Posted by Elspeth

Well, try as I might, there's only one animal species I can come up with that pulls this sort of stunt, and it's H. sapiens.

Exactly! It always makes me smile when serial-killers or those Nazi butchers are called inhuman. Those behaviors are typically human. I can't think of any other animal specie who tortures, kills for the sake of killing or hunt when not hungry.
And Beatrix-fan, using words like 'wog' or 'nigger' is not calling a spade a spade! But thank you for re-posting Philip's quotes. Most are hilarious.
Anyway, I don't see all the fuss about Philips' quotes. From what has been posted, I see nothing that could been condemned as invitation to hate before a jury if there was to be a trial.
The only offensive comment I see would be the: "and you manage to not be eaten". That was just plain stupid.
I am surprised so much people get warmed up over slitty-eyed comment. I though it was a well- known characteristic of Asian eyes? The joke was not funny, that's my only critic. Ronaldo made a more offensive 'joke' right in front of Korean people (picture).

[azile]

Originally Posted by Elspeth

As Smilla said, Prince Philip, in his public life, shouldn't be going around belittling other cultures and races in public unless it really is UK government policy to do so. What he believes and says in private is his own business, of course, bearing in mind that his private life is somewhat less private than most people's simply because of the large number of people in the royal household.

I agree- I just find it VERY ironic that in recent years, one of the most popular themes in the Queen's public speaking has been the importance of multi-culturalism and all the benefits this brings to British Society. Most of Philip's comments imply a belief to the opporsite!

Eliza

[BeatrixFan]

But the Queen doesn't write her own speeches. Her 2004 speech on multi-culturalism caused outrage. It looked as if she didnt believe what she was saying and what she was saying most people didn't agree with at all.

[Smilla]

Originally Posted by BeatrixFan

But the Queen doesn't write her own speeches. Her 2004 speech on multi-culturalism caused outrage. It looked as if she didnt believe what she was saying and what she was saying most people didn't agree with at all.

I've read that the queen never says anything in her speeches she doesn't agree with whole-heartedly. She doesn't lie, either, or so I read. I read this in an article about Diana and how the queen phrased her speech in such a way that she didn't have to present Diana as someone she liked very much and still didn't hurt the feelings of the mourners.

[azile]

Here is a link to speeches over the last few years

http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page3948.asp

Here are some of the things she has said about multiculturalism:

Opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, 25 November 2005
"....The world we live in is marked by diversity, and through being accommodating, compassionate, tolerant, and respectful of others, the Commonwealth can exploit its diversity as a source of great strength. We are a colourful spectrum of nations, faiths, cultures, and people. Individually, we are different and distinct; collectively, we can be strong and effective."

Christmas Message to the Commonwealth, 25 December 2004
"...Religion and culture are much in the news these days, usually as sources of difference and conflict, rather than for bringing people together. But the irony is that every religion has something to say about tolerance and respecting others. For me as a Christian one of the most important of these teachings is contained in the parable of the Good Samaritan, when Jesus answers the question "who is my neighbour".

....Most of us have learned to acknowledge and respect the ways of other cultures and religions, but what matters even more is the way in which those from different backgrounds behave towards each other in everyday life. It is vitally important that we all should participate and cooperate for the sake of the wellbeing of the whole community. We have only to look around to recognise the benefits of this positive approach in business or local government, in sport, music and the arts.

There is certainly much more to be done and many challenges to be overcome. Discrimination still exists. Some people feel that their own beliefs are being threatened. Some are unhappy about unfamiliar cultures. They all need to be reassured that there is so much to be gained by reaching out to others; that diversity is indeed a strength and not a threat.
We need also to realise that peaceful and steady progress in our society of differing cultures and heritage can be threatened at any moment by the actions of extremists at home or by events abroad. We can certainly never be complacent."

[Elspeth]

Not to derail the thread too far, but do you have a link to the text of the speech, Sam?

[BeatrixFan]

Well that may be so. If she did believe what she was saying then God help us.

The Queen's 2004 Speech was;

Christmas is for most of us a time for a break from work, for family and friends, for presents, turkey and crackers. But we should not lose sight of the fact that these are traditional celebrations around a great religious festival, one of the most important in the Christian year.

Religion and culture are much in the news these days, usually as sources of difference and conflict, rather than for bringing people together. But the irony is that every religion has something to say about tolerance and respecting others.

For me, as a Christian, one of the most important of these teachings is contained in the parable of the Good Samaritan, when Jesus answers the question, 'Who is my neighbour?'

It is a timeless story of a victim of a mugging who was ignored by his own countrymen but helped by a foreigner - and a despised foreigner at that.
The implication drawn by Jesus is clear. Everyone is our neighbour, no matter what race, creed or colour. The need to look after a fellow human being is far more important than any cultural or religious differences.

Most of us have learned to acknowledge and respect the ways of other cultures and religions, but what matters even more is the way in which those from different backgrounds behave towards each other in everyday life.
It is vitally important that we all should participate and cooperate for the sake of the wellbeing of the whole community. We have only to look around to recognise the benefits of this positive approach in business or local government, in sport, music and the arts.
There is certainly much more to be done and many challenges to be overcome. Discrimination still exists. Some people feel that their own beliefs are being threatened. Some are unhappy about unfamiliar cultures.

They all need to be reassured that there is so much to be gained by reaching out to others; that diversity is indeed a strength and not a threat.
We need also to realise that peaceful and steady progress in our society of differing cultures and heritage can be threatened at any moment by the actions of extremists at home or by events abroad. We can certainly never be complacent.

But there is every reason to be hopeful about the future. I certainly recognise that much has been achieved in my lifetime.

I believe tolerance and fair play remain strong British values and we have so much to build on for the future.

It was for this reason that I particularly enjoyed a story I heard the other day about an overseas visitor to Britain who said the best part of his visit had been travelling from Heathrow into central London on the tube.
His British friends were, as you can imagine, somewhat surprised, particularly as the visitor had been to some of the great attractions of the country. What do you mean they asked? Because, he replied, I boarded the train just as the schools were coming out.

At each stop children were getting on and off - they were of every ethnic and religious background, some with scarves or turbans, some talking quietly, others playing and occasionally misbehaving together - completely at ease and trusting one another. How lucky you are, said the visitor, to live in a country where your children can grow up this way.
I hope they will be allowed to enjoy this happy companionship for the rest of their lives.
A Happy Christmas to you all.

From BBC

[Idriel]

Originally Posted by BeatrixFan

Well that may be so. If she did believe what she was saying then God help us.

What exactly offends you in this speech?
As a side note, I hope it's not the Queen writing. It's horribly badly put together.

[BeatrixFan]

But we should not lose sight of the fact that these are traditional celebrations around a great religious festival, one of the most important in the Christian year.

Agreed. But why did she have to qualify it with 'The Christian Year'. We're a Christian country and she is Head of the English Church so surely she can speak about Christmas without justifying it?

We have only to look around to recognise the benefits of this positive approach in business or local government, in sport, music and the arts

This is totally Tony Blair speaking. What benefits are there. I think you have to live in Britain to know but most towns are turning into slums with endless foreign restaurants and specialist shops. Crime is at an all time high, gun crime is rife, drugs are being sold openly and who do we have to thank for it all?

They all need to be reassured that there is so much to be gained by reaching out to others; that diversity is indeed a strength and not a threat

But the Queen wasn't reassuring us. She was reading a Blair speech who was practically commanding us to get along and pretend we love eveybody. It was like a betrayal as she read it. It was as if she was saying, "You're opinions don't matter - you will integrate". My aunt stormed out of the room and slammed the door shouting, "She's with them now is she?" - and she's a royalist. All in all, I felt and I know plenty of other people did, that the Queen was delivering a speech written by the Government who wanted it to come from a grandmotherly person and not a hated politician. They hoped people would say, "How wonderful that the Queen is telling us to integrate" - instead, people said, "How awful that the Queen is with the Government". The intended meaning of the speech was lost.

[QueenMaharet]

Agreed. But why did she have to qualify it with 'The Christian Year'. We're a Christian country and she is Head of the English Church so surely she can speak about Christmas without justifying it?

She probably had to add the bit about the Christian year to make sure that she didn't technically insult any other religion by assuming that Christmas is the most important holiday for everyone.

On a HAPPY and not POLITICAL note because politics can be quite depressing....^_^ I remember reading in one of my many books a quote by Prince Philip when he noticed that his wife was getting cranky. It was on an overseas journey and it was really hot and the Queen had to shake so very many hot and sweaty hands. She wasnt smiling, and since we all know that she can look grumpy if she isnt smiling he got her to smile for everyone by saying:

"Cheer up sausage, its not as bad as all that!"

I think that is very cute!

~QueenMaharet

[Idriel]

Originally Posted by QueenMaharet

She probably had to add the bit about the Christian year to make sure that she didn't technically insult any other religion by assuming that Christmas is the most important holiday for everyone.

I see what you mean, especially being American. I heard any reference to christmas is now forbidden in school (even threes and songs), as to not offend Jews.

The thing I believe offends BeatrixFan is the fact that the Queen is the head of the Church of England. So, quite obviously, she is going to refer to Christian holidays, beliefs, etc.
She shouldn't have to 'apologize' for that.
It would be like the Pope saying: 'Christmas is a very important time for us Catholics, but let's not forget they are plenty other people who don't give a damn about it.'
As a catholic, I would be offended.

Just for information, I don't agree with the rest of BeatrixFan's post, but that part makes a lot of sense to me.