IN recent days since the death of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh there have been many memories of the man, with countless anecdotes about his wit and ability to break the ice at formal events.

Former long-serving Thurrock councillor and borough Mayor Charlie Curtis has a particularly risqué moment to remember when he was introduced to the Prince on a visit to the new DP World terminal during Charlie's mayoral year, 2011/12.

Charlie was in a line of guests to be introduced to Prince Philip and was standing next to then chief executive Graham Farrant. As the civic host Charlie leaned towards the Duke as they shook hands and said 'Welcome to Thurrock'.

Prince Philip looked momentarily taken aback and gruffly said 'What did you say?'. Charlie responded, somewhat alarmed and said, 'I said Welcome to Thurrock Sir,' to which Prince Philip cracked a broad smile and said: "That's alright then, I thought you told me to F*** off!'

Laughter ensured all round and yet again the Duke had broken the moment of nerves, pomp and circumstance - a skill for which he was renowned throughout the world.