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King Nerd writes touching personal tribute to the late Prince Philip King Nerd writes touching personal tribute to the late Prince Philip

King Nerd writes touching personal tribute to the late Prince Philip

Andrew McUtchen

Editor’s note: King Nerd is someone you’re likely to have seen pop up on Time+Tide over the years. Most recently, he was part of our “11 Days of Londoners” series. But since then, he has been prolific to say the least with collaborations spanning George Bamford and Franck Muller, to Dr Martens and even Jaguar. He is the ultimate modern-day gentleman, and this form was exhibited in perfect fashion in a short tribute to Price Philip that King Nerd, real name Johnny Dowell, published on his LinkedIn page. With Johnny’s permission, we republish it here. 

tribute late prince Philip king nerd
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The first time I met Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was about 10 years ago. I was told you don’t put your hand out and you address him as your Royal Highness. Me and only four other people were asked to speak to him when I worked for @jamespurdeyandsons I had to hand my iPhone in and I remember at the time I was working full time so I had old work clothes on and was wearing a pair of Nike Air Max, I felt so out of place and so underdressed as he arrived in a vintage Bentley if I remember correctly.

As soon as he came up to me & I went to say your Royal Highness, but before I could say it he put one hand on my arm and put out the other hand for me to shake and said “Good afternoon young man.” He was a funny guy and we chatted about a few things. He told me he couldn’t see my engraving as it was so small and we spoke about guns which was quite strange as, believe it or not, I don’t know much about them ‍♂️

I remember him asking how long he would have to wait for some new guns, I said maybe a year and a half, maybe two! He laughed and replied by saying, “Jesus son, I might be dead by then!” He then winked and said “Don’t worry son, luckily I’ve had some for several years already!” He then more jokingly said to me, “I prefer cars!”

Definitely a car guy for sure.

Rest in peace Prince Philip