As part of the 60th anniversary year of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, TV presenter Phillip Schofield was given the rewarding privilege to interview HRH Prince Philip for a one-off ITV documentary. When Phillip Met Prince Philip: 60 Years of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, which airs on ITV1 on Monday night, sees the chat show host explore the work of the renowned charity.
For the celebration, the This Morning host attends various major events and speaks to members of the Royal Family, including The Earl and the Countess of Wessex about their involvement with the work. "He is as sharp as a pin," says Philip in a teaser clip. "There was no question, more so than any interview that I've ever done in my life, I was just thinking: one false move, one wrong word and he is going to be on me like a terrier."
Phillip Schofield meets Prince Philip in a new documentary
Joanna Lumley, who also features in the documentary, hailed the 95-year-old royal by comparing him to James Bond. "I think he is an extraordinary character," she said. "He rides, sails, drives horses, fishes and swims and does stuff. He really could have been James Bond, actually. And he was a naval commander as well, like Commander Bond. He is good fun to be around but he is quite shy. I think sometimes at some huge event I have seen him say, 'Oh God I have to do that.' But then he puts his head up, chin out and goes and does it."
Also making an appearance on the show is the Duchess of Cambridge, who opens up about her own experience with the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award – particularly when it was raining one night. "I can remember trying to cook bacon in the soaking wet," she explained. "Everything was just sopping and I was trying and trying to cook bacon. I remember saying you know what, I think we're just going to have plain sandwiches. Bread, basic bread and butter."
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is celebrating its 60th anniversary
The achievement award, which was set up in 1956 by the Duke of Edinburgh, has been designed to encourage millions of young people to push themselves physically so they can find "personal discovery and self-reliance". All proceeds raised go to the DofE Charity, which helps young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
When Phillip met Prince Philip: 60 Years of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, airs on ITV1 at 9pm on Monday night.