Reader bemoans passing of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh

Dear Editor:

Like most people, I was saddened to read the article in the Crescent City Jewish News: “Prince Philip, who opposed Nazis and was the first British royal to visit Israel, dies at 99.”

There is an outpouring of support and condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the passing of her husband, Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, whose funeral was Saturday, April 17.

He was a friend of Israel and I might mention that in the year 1952 Prince Philip joined the ancient and honorable organization of Ancient Free and Accepted Freemasons in the Navy Lodge in London.

I, myself, am a fifth generation Freemason. Although I am a Christian, I have some remote ancestors who were Jewish and I am proud of them. I think it is important to note that Prince Philip joined the Masonic lodge just four years after Israel became a state in 1948.

He (and I) have sat in lodge meetings with members who were Jews, Christians and men of other faiths: all men of goodwill. The Prince will be missed.

My sympathies to his family.

James A. Marples
Longview, TX.