News / Royalty
Marvin Rees pays personal tribute to Prince Philip
The mayor of Bristol has paid a personal tribute to the late Prince Philip, revealing how he himself benefited from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme as a young man.
Marvin Rees marked the Duke’s passing with a short speech at the opening of the final cabinet meeting of his Labour administration before local elections take place next month.
Rees, who became the first Black mayor of a major European city when he was elected mayor of Bristol in 2016, said he felt “trapped” growing up in the city.
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But participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards programme had been a “huge intervention” for him, he said.
“I was a personal beneficiary of the Duke of Edinburgh as a young kid growing up in Bristol, often unable to see the horizon, feeling trapped within the city,” Rees told the virtual meeting on Tuesday, April 13.
“The chance to get out into the Brecon Beacons and walk around and have real adventure with a backpack in the rain on my Bronze (award) and then I eventually went on the Gold expedition – 50 miles over four days – was one of those huge interventions for me.
“So I’m very thankful for those opportunities for me and on behalf of others who benefited from them also.”
Speaking on behalf of the ruling Labour group at Bristol City Council, he said: “We just want to recognise the dedication and support he showed to so many charitable causes that have benefited Bristolians, including myself, over a number of years.
“His legacy can be seen across those charitable organisations that he championed and the positive impact they’ve had on the lives of many.”
Rees trekked in the Brecon Beacons in Wales. Photo: Brecon Beacons National Park
Rees also expressed the group’s condolences to the Queen and the Royal Family, noting that Prince Philip was not only a public figure but “a husband, a father, a grandfather, great grandfather, uncle” with “a network of loving relationships around him”.
“Our thoughts and condolences primarily are with the family, the Queen, and the rest of the Royal Family,” he said.
Prince Philip, who died last Friday, April 9, founded the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in 1956. The youth awards programme has since expanded to 144 nations.
The Duke of Edinburgh charity works with organisations across the UK to help young people gain essential skills, experience, confidence and resilience to successfully navigate adult life.
Amanda Cameron is a local democracy reporter for Bristol.
Main photo: CB Bristol Design
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