It was two engagements for Prince Philip yesterday, after he missed the commemorations of the Battle of Jutland on Tuesday. The Duke of Edinburgh visited a hostel for homeless veterans, before rounding off the day by taking the salute at the Sound Retreat.
In Limehouse in east London, the Duke spent time at New Belvedere House, which is a flagship hostel providing accommodation for homeless veterans, set in an old rectory. It was founded by Veterans Aid.
The Duke of Edinburgh visits Veterans Aid hostel after missing Battle of Jutland anniversary https://t.co/3uUvtNL0RC pic.twitter.com/D8J1cqeNEE
— Press Association (@PA) June 2, 2016
Philip, 94, was on good form, asking a group of former servicemen playing snooker: “When are they going to throw you out?”
One veteran replied: “As soon as possible.”
The hostel is receiving a £7 million upgrade and is in the first phase of the project, to provide accommodation for 12 veterans. Currently it houses 55 former soldiers and forces personnel as Veterans Aids aims to provide former members of the Armed Forces before they reach a crisis point in their lives, be it addiction, family problems or mental health issues, which are often causes of homelessness.
But once an ex-serviceman or woman has lost their home, it provides them with a bed and help with training, employment, health issues and finding a permanent home
He also met former Army Air Corps veteran Nathan Rooke, who was once a guard at Buckingham Palace. The Royal guest posed for a photo on the steps of the old rectory.
The Duke of Edinburgh watches the Massed Bands and Bugles of the Rifles at the Sound Retreat on Horse Guards Parade, to raise money for Care For Casualties. (Sergeant Rupert Frere RLC)
Later that evening, the Duke undertook a second engagement, taking the salute at Sound Retreat on Horse Guards Parade.
He was joined by The Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra – who are Royal Colonels of the 1st Battalion The Rifles and 3rd Battalion The Rifles respectively – and wore a bowler hat for the military parade extravaganza. Philip looked in good spirits as he enjoyed the musical performances from UK military bands and those from around the world.
The Massed Bands and Bugles of The Rifles’ performed at Horse Guards to support of the Regiment’s Care for Casualties appeal.
The Sound Retreat was attended by Prince Philip, featuring hundreds of soldiers from military bands. (Sergeant Rupert Frere RLC)
