It's been a big weekend for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as she celebrates 60 years on the throne, and as her loyal subjects and opponents of the Monarchy alike enjoy a day off to mark her birthday. It's been a momentous weekend for her hubby as well; Prince Philip has been made an Additional member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
We don't have too many qualms with this recognition, which is as much for the reign of the Queen as for her husband's service. After all, Prince Philip has been at his wife's side now for almost 65 years of marriage; few marriages last that long these days. Certainly he's provided his share of fun with some of "those" moments, but he has been a loyal consort to the Queen, and a long-standing friend of New Zealand. Add to that the fact that his honour is an additional one; he's not keeping a deserving New Zealander off the Order of Merit.
6 comments:
What are the few qualms you do have?
" ...and a long-standing friend of New Zealand."
Really ? The evidence I have seen would suggest otherwise.
Had a chat with the greasy Greek once, long long ago.
I thought I'd got over it.
I don't understand how he can have been honoured with a New Zealand Order of Merit.
He's not a New Zealander.
Can you explain this for me, Keeping Stock?
Nor were our Governors-General until the 1970's Robert.
I personally don't have an issue with it. The DoE is patron of numerous NZ organisations, including the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme which has certainly been positive for young New Zealanders. It is essentially a ceremonial award, and be being additional to the "ordinary" list, he is not depriving a deserving New Zealander of a place.
But check this out:
The Order of New Zealand is the highest honour in New Zealand's honours system, created "to recognise outstanding service to the Crown and people of New Zealand in a civil or military capacity". It was instituted on 6 February 1987.
The order comprises the Sovereign and Ordinary, Additional and Honorary members. The ordinary membership is limited to 20 living members, and at any time there may be fewer than 20. The additional members may be appointed to commemorate important royal, state or national occasions, and such appointments were made in 1990 for the 150th anniversary of the Treaty of Waitangi, in 2002 for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, in 2007 for the 20th anniversary of the institution of the Order, and in 2012 for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Honorary membership includes citizens of nations of which the Queen is not Head of State.[1]
Quite frankly, I am surprised that the media has not reported this. Prince Philip's award is not unprecedented. And given that the criteria is "service to the Crown and to New Zealand", I guess he qualifies, having been a loyal cornsort to his wife for almost 65 years.
Have I made a strong enough case?
Thanks, Inv2. No, that's not strong enough to change my uncomfortable feeling that this honour's a bit malodorous. It seems a bit ludicrous, that's all. However, that's not your fault.
I love the line:
"to recognise outstanding service to the Crown"
You reckon his 'bedside manner' was that good?
With that, I bid you adieu.
Like the bald man I am, I'm outa here!
Post a Comment