Prince Philip: Lucas praises conservation work in tribute

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Prince Philip’s “bunny huger” quip about the Green Party was highlighted by Caroline Lucas in her tribute to the late royal. The MP spoke to the House of Commons days after Buckingham Palace announced that the Duke of Edinburgh passed away. She shared amusing anecdotes from the royal, as well as praising his lifelong commitment to environmental causes.

Ms Lucas told the House: “I’m not sure the Duke of Edinburgh would have relished a glowing tribute from the Green movement.

“In an interview to celebrate his 90th birthday, in response to a question about whether he would consider himself a Green, he replied ‘no’.

“Before famously going on to remark there’s a difference between being concerned for the conservation of nature and being a ‘bunny hugger’.

“Well for the record, I don’t think there are many Greens who champion animal protection without also being active on the wider causes of the threats to wildlife.”

She continued: “But I’m not for a moment trying to suggest that he was a card-carrying Green activist.

“Nor that his views on a wide range of issues concerning nature and animal protection, including hunting, aligned fully with today’s Green movement. They clearly do not.

“However he was undoubtedly well ahead of his time when it came to understanding the importance of, and our dependence on, the natural world.

“He played an important role in promoting that cause.”

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The Duke had been a passionate advocate for conservation, wildlife and the environment throughout his life.

He was the first President of World Wildlife Fund, International President of the WWF and then President Emeritus of the WWF until his death.

The WWF released a statement after his passing was announced.

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It reads: “We express our condolences on the passing away today of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, President Emeritus of WWF International.

“Prince Philip’s lifelong passion for the environmental cause will continue to guide us as we work to protect and restore nature for people and the planet.”

Philip’s funeral will take place this Saturday April 17.

Buckingham Palace have confirmed that the private ceremony will happen in Windsor Castle’s St George’s Chapel.

A National Minute’s Silence will be observed at three o’clock.

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