PRINCE PHILIP STRIKING PRESENCE IN 1959 VISIT TO GRAVENHURST
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
GRAVENHURST — Prince of a guy.
That’s how Gravenhurst and Muskoka residents are remembering Prince Philip who died this morning.
He was 99.
In 1959 he and Queen Elizabeth II made a short stop in Gravenhurst, on July 4, to christen the new Barge at Gull Lake Park.
It was a historic moment witnessed by more than 10,000 — likely the largest crowd ever gathered in town.
Prince Philip stood out on the dais next the diminutive monarch as a tall, striking figure, impeccably turned out with Nordic good looks and a broad smile.
Photos from the day show him looming large in the background but towering over the proceedings as same time.
A star on his own.
My 7-year-old sister Cynthia Clairmont presented wild flowers to the Queen before a brief concert on the Barge by the Barrie Collegiate Band.
After arriving by train from Washago, the Queen and Philip’s motorcade proceed down Bay Street which was lined with hundreds more awaiting the once-in-a-lifetime view.
I was among those waving a Union Jack in front of my flag-draped home as the Queen and Prince Philip passed by the front door.
I saw their convertible turn the corner onto Bay. I think they slowed.
The Queen gave me the Royal wave, Philip smiled — and I reciprocated wildly.
Then I watched them descend down toward Lake Muskoka and make the turn to Torrance, where they rejoin the Royal CP Rail train to continue north and west on their Canadian tour.
The visit by my home lasted barely a minute, but it’s a moment I, my family and countless others here 62 years ago have dined on and haven’t forgotten.
Today, again, I got to relive it thanks to a prince of a guy.
Years later I was an accredited Royal Tour journalist, but it never matched that day.
Regardless of what you think of the monarchy and the British Royals — good and bad — one thing you can say about them is that they at least attempt to do the right things.
And set some right examples, leading lives as best they can under the circumstances.
As with everyone and all families perfection too often eludes us all.
Philip personified the role of dutiful consort with as much dignity and humour as could be expected under often trying circumstances with the stiff British upper lip.
Nobody knows for sure what goes on when drawbridges are lifted on the likes of Buckingham Palace.
The Queen may be the head of Royal household, but Philip is said to have some influence.
Perhaps his stoic best was exemplified when he led his son and grandsons in a walk through London as the world mourned Diana’s death.
Without walking a mile in his shoes, we can only be left to dream and wonder what we would do under similar circumstances.
Try our best and hope our odd misstep — or off remark — are taken in context.
Philip may have walked two steps behind the Queen, but he was miles ahead as a father figure.
And as a role model Philip leaves a legacy his kin can only hope to emulate.
Hopefully his clan can comport themselves in anywhere as dignified a manner as the example he has set.
They have big shoes to fill.
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April 9, 2021 @ 4:17 pm
Stellar article on remembrances of the Prince in Gravenhurst.
April 9, 2021 @ 7:04 pm
First time I’ve seen the picture of you Mark! It totally captures the excitement of that moment. Thanks for the article!
April 10, 2021 @ 10:41 am
I was there in Gull Lake that day as well . My father drove us into town for this special occasion. Penny Varney
April 10, 2021 @ 2:06 pm
The monarchy is an important part of our history and we should be proud to remember when they touch us briefly with their presence. It’s a wonderful article and I, for one, would like to read more of people’s experiences.
April 11, 2021 @ 1:50 pm
The most memorable part of the 1959 Gravenhurst Royal Visit for me was my parents’ humorous reaction to an article that subsequently appeared in the Bell Telephone newsletter which was slipped into every customers’ monthly telephone bill.
Prince Philip had a reputation for eyeing the ladies and there, in the single page Bell newsletter, was a lovely black and white photo of Prince Philip seated near the Barge at Gull Lake Park, looking over his shoulder and smiling directly at a nice young lady who was seated behind him.
Apparently the young lady was a local Bell Telephone operator and the photo found its way into probably thousands of homes in Muskoka. I have tried to find that newsletter or verification of this event but so far without any luck. Some archive may have that photo on file and perhaps someone can find it. I vaguely think the young operator’s name might have been “Miller” but I could be totally wrong in that…it was 62 years ago. Does anyone else remember this?