April 13, 2021
Condolence Message on the Passing of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Upon the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda sent a message addressed to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on behalf of Soka Gakkai members in the United Kingdom and throughout the world, expressing his heartfelt condolences.
The Duke of
Edinburgh’s long life was one of distinguished service,
not only to the United Kingdom, but throughout the world. His
establishment in 1956 of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has empowered hundreds of thousands of young people in over 140 countries with the opportunity to expand their horizons, take on new challenges and develop
initiative and life skills. It has served as
a model for many youth organizations around the world.
His efforts
for conservation and the protection of the environment were pioneering at a
time when such issues were barely recognized, and his work as President of the
World Wildlife Fund helped raise awareness of important global issues.
From the time of his marriage to then Princess
Elizabeth in 1947, the Duke of Edinburgh has lent indispensable support to Her
Majesty throughout her enduring reign.
President Ikeda visited Buckingham Palace in May 1989 and met with HRH Princess Anne. In June 1994, he also met with HRH Prince Charles in Gloucester in southwest England.
[Adapted from an article in the April 13, 2021, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, Soka Gakkai, Japan]
