Memories of a true prince among men

• Published date: 15 April 2021
• Date: 15 April 2021
• Publication title: Te Awamutu Courier

Originally from England, she moved to Te Awamutu in August 2018 to be with her new partner, and now wife, Kathy Prater.

The couple worked through immigration rules, and the global pandemic, to marry last year and have Julia’s residency visa based on partnership status approved.

Julia is especially thankful to be in New Zealand at this time, and the couple say life is good in a country where they can share a love of music, travel (albeit domestic at this stage) and friends.

Before meeting Kathy, for 35 years Julia was a photographer, both amateur and professional at different times, following the royal family throughout the UK and sometimes further.

Julia contacted the Te Awamutu Courier with the offer of her own tribute to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, complete with her own never-before-published photographs.

“I have photographed both HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh hundreds of times, and am able to offer a slightly different, personal memorial/tribute to Prince Philip,” says Julia.

“I am surprised at how shocked I was at the news of Prince Philip’s death really, and also how much it has upset me. It was not really unexpected, and yet I didn’t think it would actually ever happen.

“I feel so very sad for the Queen. I can’t imagine what it must be like for her to lose the love of her life after so many years together.

“He has been at her side throughout her reign, and although not officially Prince Consort, Prince Philip has always played a vital part in supporting the Queen and enabling her to be the most amazing monarch we will ever see.

“There are obituaries and tributes by the dozen everywhere now, but here are some of my own memories of this remarkable man.”

Julia writes: Many years ago, long before I started taking royal photographs, I wrote a letter to Prince Philip — I think I was about 10 at the time.

I had just discovered that he had visited the British Antarctic Survey team at the South Pole while my uncle was working there and I wanted to know whether he remembered meeting him, which he didn’t.

But I was so excited when I received a reply, from the Royal Yacht, postmarked “At Sea”. The letter told me lots of details about the trip and there was a menu enclosed, showing the delicious “local” food that was served, as well as a photo of HRH.

I have it filed away at home still — my first royal correspondence.

Although Prince Philip cultivated his image as a cantankerous old man at times, he was no such thing. He was a charmer, and even...