Top 10 Duke of Edinburgh gaffes

Which is your favourite?

Published 4th May 2017
Last updated 8th May 2017

The Duke of Edinburgh has perhaps been best known for his legendary gaffes.

He has shocked and sometimes delighted the public with his outspoken comments and clangers.

His reputation for plain speaking has often led to controversy, but he was once branded a "national treasure'' by the press for his inability to curb his off-the-cuff remarks.

He claimed he was misunderstood. In fact, the Duke has been "misunderstood'' almost everywhere he went.

Here are some of Philip's famous phrases:

  • "British women can't cook'' (in Britain in 1966).
  • "I declare this thing open, whatever it is.'' (on a visit to Canada in 1969).
  • "What do you gargle with, pebbles?'' (speaking to singer Tom Jones after the 1969 Royal Variety Performance).
  • "Everybody was saying we must have more leisure. Now they are complaining they are unemployed'' (during the 1981 recession).
  • "How do you keep the natives off the booze long enough to get them through the test?'' (to a driving instructor in Oban, Scotland, during a 1995 walkabout).
  • "I wish he'd turn the microphone off.'' (muttered at the Royal Variety Performance as he watched Sir Elton John perform, 2001).
  • "Do you still throw spears at each other?'' (In Australia in 2002 talking to a successful aborigine entrepreneur).
  • "Do you have a pair of knickers made out of this?'' pointing to some tartan (to Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie a papal reception in Edinburgh in September 2010).
  • "Just take the f*ing picture.'' (losing patience with an RAF photographer at events to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain - July 2015)
  • "If it doesn't fart or eat hay, she's not interested.'' (on the Princess Royal)