prince philip© Photo: Getty Images

Remembering Prince Philip's unforgettable humour - as told by former royal chef

The Duke of Edinburgh was known for his witty one liners...

Senior Lifestyle & Fashion Writer
September 22, 2021

Despite being one of the most important members of the royal family, Prince Philip will long be remembered for his charm and wicked sense of humour. His most memorable quotes and witty one-liners remain in the hearts and minds of royal fans – and those who worked closely with him.

SEE: 3 VERY unusual things Prince Charles can't go without at royal banquets

Former royal chef Graham Tinsley MBE catered for many a royal banquet where the Duke of Edinburgh was present. Speaking exclusively to HELLO!, the former manager of the Welsh Culinary Team gives a rare insight into the 'real' Prince Philip, and how his cheeky personality almost got him in trouble with the Queen.

WATCH: Prince Charles remembers fun childhood with Prince Philip

"Meeting Prince Phillip was definitely a highlight of my career," said Graham. "Some of the things he came out with when you met him were hilarious."

Explaining the protocol following a royal banquet, Graham explained: "When you're part of a royal culinary team, you always line up in your chef's whites following a dinner or lunch so the royals can say 'thank you'.

MORE: Touching new details of the Queen and Prince Philip's wedding breakfast revealed

"Prince Phillip would always say: 'What are you boys doing after this?' and we'd tell him we were off to Cardiff for a pint and a curry and he'd often say: 'I wish I could join you!'".

© Photo: Getty Images

The Duke would often joke with the royal chefs as he thanked them for their service

A preview of BBC One's upcoming documentary remembering the life of the Duke was shared by Clarence House on Monday. Prince Philip with a young Prince Charles and Princess Anne can be seen riding bicycles as their aunt, Princess Margaret, chases after the trio.

MORE: Royals' unusual fruit-eating habits: Princess Anne, the Queen & more 

Charles, 72, says of his father: "He was marvellous at arranging silly games. I mean, the fun of having obviously young parents was… there were lots of chasing around and mad things."

© Photo: Getty Images

The documentary on Prince Phillip will air on BBC One on 22 September

In another clip shared by the royal family's social media accounts, Anne, 71, recalls fishing with her father in Scotland, saying: "I always said I couldn't catch anything and he'd say, 'Nonsense, come with me.' And after I had been casting for about half an hour, he said, 'I see what you mean.' And I just knew it was something I could never do."

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