Prince Philip was a lifelong staunch and steadfast supporter of young people with whom he could effortlessly empathise and was an active patron of his ‘Duke of Edinburgh Outward Bound’ organisation for over 65 years. He had devised the idea for it after attending Scotland’s Gordonstoun School under German refugee Kurt Hahn who believed in a tough outdoor based regime.
In 1959 he visited W10’s Harrow Club at their premises on Latimer Road, an area long designated as among the country’s most deprived. He was warmly welcomed by the boys who sensed his sincerity and their warm, enthusiastic reception was reciprocated by the Duke who seemed thoroughly at home in their company in the welcoming though austere surroundings of the club. The photos shown here capture perfectly the convivial atmosphere.
He was feted by the boys during his visit and was shown around the club by my friend Billy Kirkham who looks suitably smartly turned out!
Throughout his life Philip exemplified loyalty, integrity, intellect and an impeccable sense of duty all allied to an indefatigable work ethic. In his early nineties in support of his Outward Bound Trust and driving himself, he arrived at the appointed evening hour at a big London hotel to give a speech which charmed the audience.. It was his seventh public event that day. He touched a lot of people, particularly those Harrow Club boys fortunate to witness his visit, and while he will be sadly missed his legacy will endure.
John Henwood, April 2021
North Kensington Histories 
Lovely yo see my grandmother – Mrs P., standing to the right behind the canteen counter. I was by her side when the Prince came up to the counter and spoke to her.
Yes he was at the Rugby Club. He asked what l did, and my mate butted.in “He nicks cars”. Eventually my whole family believed it. But l always thought he was a great guy. I did 2 DOE Bronze from the Rugby. RIP Sir!
On Thu, 15 Apr 2021, 15:33 North Kensington Histories, wrote:
> northkenhistories posted: ” Prince Philip was a lifelong staunch and > steadfast supporter of young people with whom he could effortlessly > empathise and was an active patron of his ‘Duke of Edinburgh Outward Bound’ > organisation for over 65 years. He had devised the idea for” >
Very nice tribute to The Duke of Edinburgh. I think it is only now that we realise the worth of the man and his willingness to be involved, not just with the ‘great and the good’ and large organisations but also the small groups that made big differences to their communities.
Prince philip had a picture taken with my aunt when he visited
My uncle was the caretaker of the rugby club not at the time philip visited a few years later