08-06-2010, 07:52 PM
Heaven only knows what Prince Philip would have made of his royal understudy – and the ceremonial 'dress'.
But then the Duke of Edinburgh wasn't there. Which is why gap year student Marc Rayner became a prince for a day to a remote tribe of South Pacific islanders.
The inhabitants of Tanna, in the Vanuatu islands, off the Australian coast, believe the Queen's husband is divine, the incarnation of a spirit who emerged from a volcano and left to marry a great lady.
Marc Rayner with island chief Siko Nathuan holding the photo of Prince Philip
Wish you were here: Marc Rayner with island chief Siko Nathuan holding the photo of Prince Philip
It was a cult which emerged from the Prince's visit in 1974, and legend has it that the 'spirit' will one day return in person.
But on the day of the prince's 89th birthday in June, when the islanders gathered expecting his arrival, 18-year-old Marc realised they would be disappointed. So the teenager from Musselburgh, near Edinburgh, stood in for him.
read article here: PRINCEY
But then the Duke of Edinburgh wasn't there. Which is why gap year student Marc Rayner became a prince for a day to a remote tribe of South Pacific islanders.
The inhabitants of Tanna, in the Vanuatu islands, off the Australian coast, believe the Queen's husband is divine, the incarnation of a spirit who emerged from a volcano and left to marry a great lady.
Marc Rayner with island chief Siko Nathuan holding the photo of Prince Philip
Wish you were here: Marc Rayner with island chief Siko Nathuan holding the photo of Prince Philip
It was a cult which emerged from the Prince's visit in 1974, and legend has it that the 'spirit' will one day return in person.
But on the day of the prince's 89th birthday in June, when the islanders gathered expecting his arrival, 18-year-old Marc realised they would be disappointed. So the teenager from Musselburgh, near Edinburgh, stood in for him.
read article here: PRINCEY
