PRINCE PHILIP DUKE OF EDINBURGH

Wellington was the Iron Duke. Prince Philip might well be remembered as the irrepressible one.

He was able to hold rank and place, while keeping his sardonic wit and temper intact.

There is a dull lot of monarchs around (including the Windsors) who never tire of filling their occupational questionable bona fide with absurd visits and awkward handshakes, more out of duty than personal commitment or empathy.

Prince Philip was never one of them, risking the faux pas rather than staying bored.

Belgians remember him at the very "popist" funeral of King Baudouin, wearing some sash from Zaire, instead of the Order of Leopold.  Involuntary gaffe for sure, but of a supreme irony given the historical parameters of the situation.