The Wit and Humour of Prince Philip

[BeatrixFan]

Thats exactly what I meant Idriel - thankyou for putting it so well. I'm a catholic but I believe that as the Queen is Head of the Church of England she shouldn't have to qualify her beliefs as you said.

[lilliegal]

Originally Posted by Idriel

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.

From what I have read of that particular quote, I saw no indication that the queen was apologizing for anything. Christianity is not the driving force in the Western World that it once was (it can't be the driving force in any society with legalized abortion, gay civil unions, rampant pornography, etc). The queen probably recognizes that, thus her emphasizing the word christian. From my pov, her comment had nothing to do with trying to appease other faiths at the expense of christianity. She probably used the Christmas speech on "multiculturalism" as a chance to emphasize christianity; what little chance she had. Then again, I only know of the parts I read here on the board. I would like to say,however, that the PC issue has gotten way out of control (especially in schools just as you mentioned).

[iannis]

I thought that was a thread about Prince Philip's wit and not HM's speaches.
However, the thing that matters in HRH's jokes is not whether they are racistic or not, but that they are genuine, as himself is.
Aren't you bored of people pretending to be someone they are not? What would you think of HM if she started saying that jokes? But she wouldn't because her character is not like that, while HRH's is!
Above all, I find his jokes hillarious!

*Does anyone know if he was taught any greek before becoming a british subject?
I know he lived in France and Germany after leaving Greece in 1922, but he was still a greek prince

[LaPlusBelle]

Are there any more "sweetie" quotes of Philip?
And by the way, I'm Chinese and I don't fault Philip for saying the slitty eye comment. It happens. People do it all the time. I do wish it would stop, but the world can't be changed.

[crisiñaki]

When I think of HRH Prince Phillip, it always came to mind the expression: foot in mouth, wonder why?

[Toledo]

Well, his comments are sometimes abrassive, sometimes plain cruel and politically incorrect by today's standards, but the man is very amusing. Reminds me of the main character played by actor Carroll O'Connor in the USA TV series All in the Family.

[crisiñaki]

I can imagine the face of the British diplomats around the world when they were told Philip was coming to the country:

Now, what's this guy gonna say now

[Toledo]

Originally Posted by crisiñaki

I can imagine the face of the British diplomats around the world when they were told Philip was coming to the country:

Now, what's this guy gonna say now

I'm sure he makes Queen Elizabeth laugh when they are at home and he is comenting the events of the day according to his point of view
Makes you want to be a fly on the wall to listen to what they dish out and laugh about in private.

[Idriel]

Originally Posted by LaPlusBelle

Are there any more "sweetie" quotes of Philip?
And by the way, I'm Chinese and I don't fault Philip for saying the slitty eye comment. It happens. People do it all the time. I do wish it would stop, but the world can't be changed.

Could I know, if that's OK with you, what adjective you use to qualify the trademark shape of Asian eyes?
And to people who have English as first language, is slitty a derogatory term?

A little anecdote which proves that Philips can be stumped for words:

Why was that doyen of tact and diplomacy Prince Philip left speechless at a glittering state dinner in South America?

As with everything the Royal Family do, the grand dinner had been planned down to the very last detail. The Queen was wearing her finest couture evening dress and had raided the priceless royal jewels collection to make sure of the impact she made at the state banquet, held during a tour of Brazil in 1968.

Everything was going oh-so-well until Prince Philip found himself talking to a Brazilian general.

"Where did you get all the medals?" enquired the Queen's husband.

"From the War" replied the General, politely.

"I didn't know Brazil was in the war that long" came Philip's reply.

"At least, Sir, I didn't get them from marrying my wife!".

From the royalist

[BeatrixFan]

I'd have slapped his face for him. Upstart.

[crisiñaki]

Ouch, that should have bruised the guy's ego a lot

[lilliegal]

Aren't you bored of people pretending to be someone they are not? What would you think of HM if she started saying that jokes? But she wouldn't because her character is not like that, while HRH's is!
Above all, I find his jokes hillarious!

Racism is a difficult thing to hide in a person. I do believe that people should not be so quick to brand Prince Philip a racist. Telling a few jokes here and there doesn't scream racism (although I personally don't like ethnic or sexual humor).

[ysbel]

Originally Posted by Idriel

Why was that doyen of tact and diplomacy Prince Philip left speechless at a glittering state dinner in South America?

As with everything the Royal Family do, the grand dinner had been planned down to the very last detail. The Queen was wearing her finest couture evening dress and had raided the priceless royal jewels collection to make sure of the impact she made at the state banquet, held during a tour of Brazil in 1968.

Everything was going oh-so-well until Prince Philip found himself talking to a Brazilian general.

"Where did you get all the medals?" enquired the Queen's husband.

"From the War" replied the General, politely.

"I didn't know Brazil was in the war that long" came Philip's reply.

"At least, Sir, I didn't get them from marrying my wife!". From the royalist

I had to laugh at this one. How funny and how true! Knowing Prince Philip, he probably enjoyed the Brazilian's witticism as much as anyone. The advantage of having a thick skin.

[BeatrixFan]

I don't find it funny at all. Prince Philip did his bit in the war and earned his medals. I find it completely rude and impertinent.

[lilliegal]

Originally Posted by LaPlusBelle

Are there any more "sweetie" quotes of Philip?
And by the way, I'm Chinese and I don't fault Philip for saying the slitty eye comment. It happens. People do it all the time. I do wish it would stop, but the world can't be changed.

Whenever I hear someone mention "slitty eyes", they usually express some type of bias against Asians. I am quite sure the Prince didn't mean it as a term of endearment. The world can't be changed, but no one has to embrace insults directed at them.

[ysbel]

Originally Posted by BeatrixFan

I don't find it funny at all. Prince Philip did his bit in the war and earned his medals. I find it completely rude and impertinent.

Not to take away from Philip's war accomplishments, which were quite substantial, being married to the Queen of England gave him some appointments and medals he wouldn't have gotten if he had remained with his illustrious military career as a commoner.

I'm positive that not everyone that has received the Order of the Garter or was installed as Commander-in-Chief of a regiment has really been the most deserving. But its part and parcel of the royal tradition, a lot of royal tradition is not based on merit and people who are not comfortable with that fact are going to be frustrated following royalty.

I'm perfectly comfortable with it and with Prince Philip's brand of humour so if this Brazilian has made a little joke at Prince Philip's expense, at least he did Philip the honor of copying his brand of humour. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery so while Philip's fans may be horrified, I think Philip himself got a chuckle out of it.

[BeatrixFan]

It wasn't copying Philip's brand of humour - it was downright rudeness. How dare he. The Duke of Edinburgh fought alongside paupers and Princes in the war - he's got the Order of the Garter for his service as a consort. This man should have known his place and kept his mouth shut.

[lilliegal]

Originally Posted by BeatrixFan

I don't find it funny at all. Prince Philip did his bit in the war and earned his medals. I find it completely rude and impertinent.

There are plenty of people who find the Prince's comments rude and impertinent. I personally found the "medals" comment to be harsh. However, we get the respect (or lack thereof) that we dish out to others. That's the way the world works. Who knows? Perhaps the Prince made an even snappier comeback.

[selrahc4]

On Oct 28 last year at a breakfast to mark the 200th anniversary of St James's barbers, Truefitt & Hill, The Duke of Edinburgh brushed aside one advancing reporter - who politely wondered if he might like to talk to her - with the comment: "Well, you can carry on wondering."

[Skydragon]

Originally Posted by selrahc4

On Oct 28 last year at a breakfast to mark the 200th anniversary of St James's barbers, Truefitt & Hill, The Duke of Edinburgh brushed aside one advancing reporter - who politely wondered if he might like to talk to her - with the comment: "Well, you can carry on wondering."

Good for him!