Shakespeare's Globe pays tribute to Prince Philip: 'His friendship with our founder Sam Wanamaker was integral'

10 April 2021 02:36

Shakespeare's Globe has published a fascinating, moving tribute to its Royal Patron Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who very sadly died yesterday aged 99.

Prince Philip was enthusiastically involved with The Globe project for more than 40 years. 'His friendship with our founder Sam Wanamaker was integral to building the Globe Theatre, and later, opening the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse,' the article emphasises.

Prince Philip played a significant role in relation to both theatres, which included attending high-profile events in the company of Zoë and her father. He presided over The Globe's ground-breaking ceremony in 1987 and, alongside the Queen, its majestic opening ceremony ten years later, during which Zoë became the first person to perform on the stage.

12 months before The Globe opened, Prince Philip unveiled a bust of Sam Wanamaker, who'd very sadly passed away a few years earlier. This special event is captured in the news footage below, which also features Prince Philip confidently addressing the audience, as well as Zoë describing how emotional the day was and the brilliance of the theatre.

In addition, Prince Philip took part in the opening ceremony for the indoor, Jacobean-style Sam Wanamaker Playhouse in 2013, again alongside Zoë in her role as The Globe's Honorary President.

For more insights and photos of Prince Philip with Sam Wanamaker and his daughter, see the full tribute on Shakespeare's Globe's blog.

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