Deaf News: Charities pay tribute to HRH Prince Philip, who has died aged 99

Deaf charities have paid their respects to His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, who has died today aged 99.

The royal’s passing was announced by Buckingham Palace just after midday, with Her Majesty The Queen expressing her “deep sorrow” at the news.

“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.

“Further announcements will be made in due course.

“The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss,” the statement reads.

It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. pic.twitter.com/XOIDQqlFPn

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 9, 2021

Deaf organisations have since responded to the announcement, with the Royal National Institute for Deaf people (RNID) mourning the loss of a “committed patron” of the charity since 1958.

“Prince Philip’s interest in hearing loss stemmed from his mother, HRH Princess Alice of Battenberg, who was born deaf and so adept at lipreading that people could not guess that she had difficulty in hearing.

“The Prince first got to know the charity’s work in 1956 when he opened a hostel for young deaf men in Wembley, London and in 1998, he generously agreed to take a hearing test to launch a campaign encouraging more people to get their hearing tested.

“ In 1999, he had a full hearing loss examination, while at a reception held at Bonn House, in Mayfair, where he was escorted by RNID Adviser and Centenary Director, Philip Bonn, the great grandson of the RNID’s Founder,” a statement from RNID reads.

We are mourning the loss of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, who was a committed patron of RNID since 1958. pic.twitter.com/ddlRp25ECc

— RNID (@RNID) April 9, 2021

Mark Atkinson, the charity’s chief executive, added: “Prince Phillip recognised deaf people and those with hearing loss through his long interest in our work, which was highlighted in 2011 when he kindly hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace to mark our centenary.

“It was a great honour for our charity to celebrate our achievements on the Prince’s 90th birthday and he made it a truly memorable day by graciously speaking with our the Founder’s Representative, staff, supporters and volunteers; about their inspirational work for deaf people and those with hearing loss.

“Our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen and with the Royal family at this sad time.”

Meanwhile, the Royal Association for Deaf people said they were “extremely saddened” by the news.

“Prince Philip is probably best known for founding The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme in 1956; a scheme that we are proud to offer to young deaf people.

“His Royal Highness was also involved in the work of many more charities and organisations which reflected his wide ranging interests in topics including conservation, sport, the military and engineering. Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the Royal Family at this time,” they said.

Sad news to learn of #PrincePhilip ‘s passing. Met him I was representing #FYD at an evening function in 1985; was really surprised to find him easy to communicate with me using natural gestures! I quickly realised that he had a deaf mother. A complete one-off.

— Action Deafness CEO (@CEOActionDeafns) April 9, 2021

Personal tributes have also been made to the Duke of Edinburgh, with Craig Rowley, CEO of Action Deafness, sharing a memory of Prince Philip on Twitter.

“Sad news to learn of Prince Philip‘s passing. Met him I was representing FYD [Friends for Young Deaf People] at an evening function in 1985; was really surprised to find him easy to communicate with me using natural gestures!

“I quickly realised that he had a deaf mother. A complete one-off,” he tweeted.

Photo: Michael Garnett/Flickr.

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is a mildly deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He wears bilateral hearing aids and can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.