A commemorative service hosted by Government to celebrate the life of the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and husband of Queen Elizabeth, was held yesterday at the National Auditorium domes.

Prince Philip, who died a week ago just weeks short of his 100th birthday, was married to Queen Elizabeth for nearly 74 years.

His Ceremonial Royal funeral at St George’s Chapel, Windsor was held early this morning (Cook Islands time).

Prince Philip helped design the Land Rover that was to carry his coffin, and driven by soldiers from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, of which the Duke was Colonel-in-Chief.

In his address to those at the commemorative service in Rarotonga yesterday, Prime Minister Mark Brown shared accounts of Prince Philip’s visit to the Cook Islands in 1971, aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Prince Philip’s visit to the southern group island of Palmerston left an indelible mark, affirming the strong links of all Palmerston islanders to the Crown through the British heritage of their forefather William Masters.

Today, just over 50 years later, that momentous occasion on February 28 is celebrated by the island of Palmerston, who dine together on that date in respect of His Royal Highness.

On Rarotonga, Prince Philip was met by large, adoring crowds and held multiple engagements throughout the day including, wonderful interactions between the visiting royals and locals.

During his visit, Prince Philip demonstrated his understanding and respect for the local customs.

The government’s official photographer at the time, Bill Johnson, fondly recalls one of those moments.

“Prince Philip was at Taputapuatea Palace Grounds when Madame Macquarie welcomed the Prince and asked: ‘Would you mind if I greeted you island style?’ Prince Philip gave her a blank look, and just nodded his head, and with that Madame kissed him on the cheek. Prince Philip just started smiling from ear to ear.”

Prime Minister Brown said: “We are here paying our respects and showing our condolences to our Queen, the Royal Family, the British people and the people of the wider Commonwealth.”

“As Prime Minister, I with our people wanted to honour his Royal Highness for his unending duty and service to Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and to send to his family and the people of the Commonwealth our support and condolences during this sad occasion. 

“I join fellow leaders around the Pacific and the Commonwealth in relaying my respects and condolences to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and family and to the people of England. Aere ra, Prince Philip.”