LONDON. Prince Philip had a strong connection with the Commonwealth, the association that unites the United Kingdom with the former colonies of the British Empire, and his figure is therefore commemorated throughout the planet. But nowhere in the world was the Duke of Edinburgh as revered as in the tribal community of a tiny Pacific island. For decades, two villages on the island of Tanna, part of the Vanuatu archipelago, an island state located 1,750 kilometers east of Australia with a total population of 270,000 people, literally revered Philip as a god. It is unclear how the Prince Philip Movement began in the villages of Yakel and Yaohanen. At one point he had a few thousand followers. Today there are only a few hundred left. But these days, as the BBC reported this morning, they have held mourning ceremonies, animal sacrifices and special dances to remember the prince.
Prince Philip died. The love of a lifetime: it struck the thirteen-year-old Elizabeth to defend her from mumps
by Francesco de Leo
Over time, the inhabitants of the two villages, who lead the same existence as 3,000 years ago, became convinced that Philip was one of them, the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy about a native who would “leave the island for find a powerful wife overseas ”. Having ruled elsewhere in an attempt to ensure peace and respect everywhere, the prince could have returned to the island of Tanna, at least in spiritual form, as his return in flesh and blood could be prevented by the “stupidity, jealousy and greed of white men. “. But his original mission, to plant the seeds of Tanna in the heart of the British Empire, according to them has nevertheless been accomplished, so now they wait for Philip’s spirit to return to his ancestral homeland on the remote Pacific island.
Eight days of mourning, then the message to the nation and the funeral in a restricted form: Elizabeth’s pain
by our correspondent Antonello Guerrera
In the colonial era, when it was known as the New Hebrides archipelago, Vanuatu was jointly administered by Britain and France. Philip himself visited it with Queen Elizabeth during an official trip in 1974, during which he took part in the ritual of drinking kava, the traditional local drink, together with the local population. Later, informed of the cult towards him by the two villages, he sent them numerous photos and memorabilia. More recently, in 2007, a delegation of the indigenous people of Tanna met Filippo in London, renewing his invitation to return to live among them. His reply was cryptic: “When it’s hot, I’ll send a message.” In any case, it was well received by the tribal leaders.
The last days of Prince Philip: “I want to die at home”
by our correspondent Antonello Guerrera
Prince Charles also visited Vanuatu in 2018 and drank kava like his father did. Now one wonders if the cult of Philip will be transferred to his son. One thing is certain: the tribes of Tanna await the return of the spirit of man which they consider their own deity. The funeral of the Queen’s husband will be held in London on Saturday. From that moment, thousands of kilometers apart, two villages will pray to receive his soul.
.