Visit a park to celebrate Prince Philip, says charity

Visit green spaces to “reflect and appreciate” Prince Philip this weekend, a charity of which he was president for more than 60 years has said.

Fields in Trust, a green space charity, is encouraging people to visit their local green space this weekend as the Duke of Edinburgh is laid to rest.

The Duke was president of the charity for 64 years under its previous name, The National Playing Fields Association. His work with the charity helped ensure parks and playing fields remained open and accessible to the public for play, sport and enjoying nature, the charity said.

He became president of the charity in October 1948 before stepping down in 2013 and being replaced by the Duke of Cambridge. It is believed to be his first national charity commitment.

Helen Griffiths, Fields in Trust chief executive, said: “During his long and committed service HRH The Duke of Edinburgh was involved in every aspect of the organisation. We are enormously indebted to him for his support.

“His tireless efforts live on through many protected parks and green spaces and Fields in Trust’s continuing work.”

The charity has reported a surge in donations following the Duke’s death. During his time as president the number of green spaces protected with the charity increased from 430, covering around 1,300 hectares, to more than 2,000, covering nearly 12,000 hectares, the charity said.

The Duke also provided a spoken introduction to the first charity single for Fields of Trust sung by Frank Sinatra in the 1950s.

On Thursday the Royal family paid tribute to the Duke’s sporting accomplishments on Twitter.

“The Duke of Edinburgh had a passion for sports, and played an influential part in the administration of many sporting and recreation charities in the role of President or Patron,” they wrote.

“As President of the Central Council of Physical Recreation Prince Philip was instrumental in saving it from extinction in 1971,” they added.

He was also president of UK Athletics for 59 years, during which he attended many international events and most Commonwealth Games.