He did it his way.

I have considered it a huge privilege during my time in the British Army to have photographed and met many of our Royal Family, HRH The Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh included.

The first time I met him was as a regular officer on a UN tour in Cyprus in 1993 where my quick response brought a wry smile surrounded by glares.

I will confess that there were times when I felt a little republican (with a lower case ‘r’) but they have dissipated as I have learned more of their roles; largely through asking questions during the planning of visits, asking the security team members or asking the Royals themselves.

In 1993 I had deployed on Operation TOSCA, the UN 6 month tour that continues today, in Cyprus that is based on ‘the Green Line’. Much has changed today but in the early ’90s there was most definitely a border that we patrolled.

Accompanying HM The Queen for a Commonwealth Heads of State meeting in Limassol, HRH The Prince Philip came to visit 39 Regiment. He had lunch with us in the Officers’ Mess followed by a tour of The Green Line.

It all sounds so easy, but no! We had rehearsals, menus to sample, wine to taste. The selections were made and everyone was quietly confident that everything was in place. I learned many things during this time as a very junior officer that would stand me in good stead for involvement in future royal visits - don’t be afraid to ask the questions of the right people.

HRH Prince Philip at the UN Headquarters in Nicosia.

Those of us at the furthest point of the table were presented to Prince Philip before the meal. I was asked if I was serving with REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers); at the time there were 6 female officers in the whole of the Royal Artillery so it was a fair question. When I responded ‘no, Sir, I am Royal Artillery’ he said ‘poor you’. Unable to leave it there I did say: ‘But my father was REME if that helps?’ He smiled, my senior officers not so much.

That was one of his traits, to seek out those for whom he was Royal Colonel.

As we all sat round for this lunch that we had rehearsed, the wine that had been chosen specifically for the occasion (don’t worry about the cost the officers will pay) was being offered to Prince Philip but before the soldier had a chance to say anything Prince Philip turned and said: ‘Do you have a Newcastle Brown Ale?’

No better way to set the feet under the proverbial swan at warp speed to try and maintain the smooth look on the surface.

My next memorable moment came when I had mobilised as a reservist to support the rear party of 5th Battalion The Rifles as they deployed on Operation TELIC XIII (Iraq). My husband had deployed forward and with 4 young children (ages between 3-9 years) I had volunteered to serve to support the Battalio

Salamanca Day, one of the Regimental Battle Honours, was to be celebrated with a large dinner in London where each Battalion was invited to take a number of soldiers that would sit at a table with their respective Honorary Colonels.

As part of the Rear Party I had been asked to help with the planning of the logistics for the evening, getting the soldiers from Paderborn in Germany, back to London: transport, accommodation and all things in between.

With 3 days notice I was told that someone had dropped out of the event & would I be able to attend. It was my turn! This time my husband got to stay behind and look after the children for 48 hours whilst I went to London.

On arrival at Davies Street just before lunch we were greeted at the door and someone said to me ‘I expect you are very excited’. Well, of course I was - 48 hours away from the children - after 6 months of my husband being away on operational deployment while I was working full time - was this a rhetorical question?

Further conversation led me to think that something else may be going on. Erring on the side of caution I walked along Oxford Street until I found a large department store with a hairdressers. I had the most peculiar request: ‘Do you think you could put my hair up? I think I may be getting an award tonight from HRH Prince Philip but I’m really not sure and don’t want to take the risk of just scooping my hair into a scrunchie.’ - which is what I had travelled with!

Receiving my award for the work I did for the 5 RIFLES rear party.

I felt very honoured to have been recognised for the work I had done which was, in all honesty, great fun.

My last encounter was in a role that I have so loved during my 25 years as a Media Operations Officer for the Army - a medals parade.

The parades are all the same format, although there were times when you would think that they had never taken place before, and I think that some may have thought I was quite complacent. I think that my familiarity with the parade format allowed me to be aware of other things happening around me as well as being better able to anticipate.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh with 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland. ©Alamy

My role at these parades was to ensure that the journalists got what they needed, the photographers got their front page shot and the TV had the interviews they wanted. I loved it! Juggling the needs of the media with the expectations of the units was a challenge and the adrenalin was pumping ready for the unexpected.

Presenting Medals to 4 SCOTS ©Alamy

The day after his 93rd birthday Prince Philip came over to Fallingbostel, north Germany, to present operational medals to 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland. Many times it isabout discreet hand signals to those surrounding the member of the Royal Family to open up the group so photographers can get a good photograph; the tendency is for soldiers to cluster around them.

It was with huge respect that I watched in awe as HRH The Duke of Edinburgh presented the medals. It was a hot day, he was 93 years old and I recall thinking that I hope I am like him if I get to his age.

All of us who met him will have a story to tell I am sure. HRH The Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh was a living example of ‘servant leadership’. I cannot begin to imagine what his wife must be feeling at this time; her sense of loss after 73 years must be immense. For me they have been the ultimate power couple to be admired for their hard work, devotion to each other and dedication to our country.

HRH The Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh 1921 - 2021