Work and Play

Royal life on board this yacht isn't all fun and games, mind. There is serious work to be done. This is where the Queen did hers. I was going to say I've no idea what she does, but then I thought, I should look it up:

The Queen has many different duties to perform every day. Some are public duties, such as ceremonies, receptions and visits within the United Kingdom or abroad.

Other duties are carried out away from the cameras, but they are no less important. These include reading letters from the public, official papers and briefing notes; audiences with political ministers or ambassadors;

and meetings with her Private Secretaries to discuss daily business and her future diary plans.

Even when she is away from London, in residence at Balmoral or Sandringham, she receives official papers nearly every day of every year and remains fully briefed on matters affecting her realms.

This was Philip's office. The website has rather more to say about his job:

The Duke of Edinburgh accompanies The Queen on all her Commonwealth tours and State visits overseas, as well as on tours and visits to all parts of the United Kingdom. He has also travelled abroad a great deal on his own account.

In 2008 His Royal Highness undertook around over 350 engagements with The Queen and on his own in the UK and abroad.

He is patron or president of some 800 organisations, with special interests in scientific and technological research and development, the encouragement of sport, the welfare of young people, and conservation and the environment.

Industry is a particular interest, and there is hardly an aspect of the UK's industrial life with which Prince Philip is not familiar.

He has visited research stations and laboratories, coalmines and factories, engineering works and industrial plants - all with the aim of understanding, and contributing to the improvement of, British industrial life.

As Patron of The Work Foundation, he has sponsored six conferences on the human problems of industrial communities within the Commonwealth.

The environment is another key interest. Since visiting Antarctica and the South Atlantic in 1956-57, Prince Philip has devoted himself to raising public awareness of the relationship of humanity with the environment.

He was the first President of World Wildlife Fund - UK (WWF) from its formation in 1961 to 1982, and International President of WWF (later the World Wide Fund for Nature) from 1981 to 1996. He is now President Emeritus of WWF.

The Duke of Edinburgh has visited 141 countries to date.

In his flying career, he flew nearly 6,000 flying hours as a pilot from 1952 to 1997.

He has made nearly 5,000 speeches and chaired over 1,500 meetings since 1952.

The Duke of Edinburgh has served as Chancellor of the Universities of Cambridge (1976-), Edinburgh (1952-), Salford (1967-91) and Wales (1948-76). He is also a Life Governor of King's College, London and Patron of London Guildhall University.

As a keen sportsman, Prince Philip is an enthusiastic promoter of sports. He was President of the International Equestrian Federation from 1964 to 1986.

He is President of Central Council of Physical Recreation (CCPR), Admiral of the Royal Yacht Squadron, and has twice served as President of the Marylebone Cricket Club (the MCC).

He is also Patron of the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators of the British Empire, and has been Master of Trinity House since 1969.

Makes you tired just reading it, eh? At the end of a hard day at the office, however, there is a time for respite and a place for withdrawal...the Drawing Room.

It is decorated in English Country House, to create a relaxing atmosphere for the Royal family and their guests.


A little background music is always welcome when relaxing.


The recording listed many famous names of world leaders who have visited here.


However they protray this room as more of a family retreat than anything.


You can just see everyone lounging with their feet up...or maybe not.


Spot the card table where William, Harry and other royal children enjoyed playing cards or board games.


Actually, more than anything, this room reminded me of my first mother-in-law's house, in Crown Heights, Oklahoma City. At one time, back in the 1950's she was on TV giving home decorating advice.


I'm thinking perhaps she actually knew what she was talking about!