Prince Philip’s former shipmate reveals Duke was once a ‘very randy’ sailor as 95-year-old tours his old naval college with the Queen in latest appearance since announcing retirement
THE Duke of Edinburgh was a “very randy” young sailor before he met the Queen, a former shipmate has revealed.
Prince Philip, 95, had a reputation among Navy colleagues as a romeo, said Keith Evans, 97.
The revelation came as the pair met again when the Duke visited his old naval school Pangbourne College in Berkshire yesterday.
Ex-pupil Cdr Evans, who served with Philip in 1947, said later: “He was a bit randy.” He then said “very” should replace “a bit”.
MOST READ IN NEWS
The Royals, pictured together for the first time since the day he announced his retirement, were guests at a day of events celebrating the 100th anniversary of Pangbourne College.
On Thursday, Philip announced he will retire from public duties in the autumn.
He will attend all previously scheduled engagements that have been arranged between now and August.
However afterwards he will no longer accept new invitations, but may still make an appearance at public events from time to time.
The Prince – who is turning 96 in June – attended 110 days of engagements in 2016.
The fee-paying Pangbourne College has been visited by the Queen four times in the past with her first coming in 1943, when she was Princess Elizabeth.
When the royal couple arrived, the Duke stepped out first from the state limousine and he dutifully waited for the Queen and followed on behind her.
The Queen was wearing an ensemble by Angela Kelly, a pastel tweed dress and coat in shades of pale pink, mint and gold and a matching hat, she also wore a diamond Tiger-Lilly brooch.
The highlight of the day came when former naval commander Keith upstaged the Duke by describing him as a “randy” young officer.The former Pangbourne pupil was asked about his recollections of the 95-year-old.
He replied: “He was a bit randy but you had better not put that down."
The 97-year-old was questioned further about his quip and willingly agreed to be quoted and, in a move worthy of the Duke himself, said the word "very" should be inserted before "randy".
He then joked: "Like Prince Philip, I'm standing down from most things in August."
And in an apparent reference to the Queen, Keith said about the Duke's decision to give up public duties from the autumn: "I think it is rather good news.
"He will do what he wants rather than what she tells him to do."
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368