SCUBAHUB with them . He continued the tradition long after the scaling back of his other duties , with his final awards taking place in 2016 , when an allotted 15 minutes turned to 45 as he savoured his exchanges with the winning teams .
Present at several such occasions was BSAC ’ s Chief Executive Mary Tetley , who said the Duke showed his informal side when chatting with expedition divers in his own home . “ I found the Duke very humorous and informal , quick to put people at their ease ,” Mary said . “ Behind the banter was a passion for heritage and a belief in the alliance of science and diving . In particular , you could see his eyes light up when he talked about the Royal Navy and naval history .”
The Duke of Edinburgh leaves a significant legacy for British diving , having instigated an enduring Royal patronage of BSAC . “ He was our first Royal , and his association with BSAC gave us a special status ,” Mary said . “ It came from his own deep fascination for diving , and his desire to share the beauty and richness of the underwater world .”
Former BSAC Chair ( now Vice President ) Phil Harrison MBE said the Duke was the “ most fun ” member of the Royal family , while BSAC ’ s current Chair , Maria Harwood , said the Duke had given the club a legacy of prestige and recognition for excellence in diving achievements . “ He will be sorely missed by the entire diving community ,” Maria added .
The Duke ’ s lifelong enthusiasm for diving was expressed in a letter to BSAC and the organisers of the World Congress of Underwater Activities in 1962 . “ It is indeed a challenge to extend man ’ s knowledge of the last great unexplored area of the world – the sea ,” he wrote . “ The scope for increased knowledge of the sea and what lives in it is enormous , and I am sure that this knowledge , scientifically evaluated and pursued , is of the greatest importance in the future of mankind .”
Enjoying banter with BSAC Chief Exec Mary Tetley
Remembering the
Duke of Edinburgh tributes from BSAC figures
An enduring legacy
The Duke of Edinburgh was genuinely interested in the BSAC and all of the projects which came forward for the Duke of Edinburgh ’ s Prize for Underwater Science . He really understood the power of the data and information that could be gathered by recreational divers and the difference they could make to conservational or environmental projects . His enthusiasm has been passed down the generations and his influence is long lasting . PROFESSOR CLARE PEDDIE , BSAC Chair , 2009-2014
The correct tie
In my experience , the Duke was very knowledgeable on many subjects relating to diving , science , ecology , archaeology and conservation . He was charming , funny and occasionally grumpy .
I first met the Duke at a sports luncheon at Lords to celebrate his 90th Birthday . I was introduced to him and he immediately said : “ You ’ ve got the wrong tie on !” I was wearing a lovely Versace tie , and didn ’ t own a BSAC tie at the time . It must have been a year later when I next met him at the palace [ for the Duke of Edinburgh Prize presentations ]. I was to meet him outside the room and introduce him to others . “ I see you have the correct tie on ,” he quipped with a smile . “ Yes sir , the same as yours ,” I replied , for we both had exactly the same BSAC tie . What a memory he had .
I met him a few more times after that , and every time he was charming . He always took interest in those he was introduced to and made their meeting with him individual and special . That ’ s years of experience and a real art . EUGENE FARRELL , BSAC Chair 2014-16
No nonsense
His Royal Highness honoured the British Sub-Aqua Club by instituting in 1965 The Duke of Edinburgh Prize for Underwater Science . The Prize was administered by the British Sub- Aqua Jubilee Trust from its launch until he retired from public duties in 2017 .
The Duke took a personal interest and each year chose the application most worthy of his prize . Prize winners , runners up , representatives of BSAC and the Jubilee Trust were invited to Buckingham Palace where His Royal Highness personally presented the Prize and certificates signed by him .
I have been fortunate and honoured to attend the event and meet the Duke on many occasions . Those privileged to be involved will always remember his no-nonsense approach – particularly to photographs , subtle humour , depth of knowledge and interest in our sport . GAVIN ANTHONY , Chairman , British Sub-Aqua Jubilee Trust
15