A tasty archive which proves that Prince Philip knew how to use the French language to his advantage.
Died on April 9, 2021 at the age of 99, the husband of Elisabeth II was received by General de Gaulle at the Elysee Palace during a state visit in December 1966. During the dinner, the Duke of 'Edinburgh had embarked on a humorous speech in which he attacked the stereotypes of people towards each other.
Under the laughter of the audience and in a tuxedo, the prince had embarked on an inventory à la Prévert of not very sympathetic nicknames which English, French or Australians were adorned with. A speech in the form of a wink to denounce, according to the prince, "the ignorance" shown by peoples who are friendly to each other. From the mouth of the Duke of Edinburgh, we learn that the English, supposedly red, are described as "pomegranate" (the fruit) by the Australians. The French are described as "frogs" by the English. As for the nicknames given to the subjects of his Majesty by the “Frenchies” ... The prince will very diplomatically refuse to say more.