April 15, 2021
Her Majesty The Queen
Buckingham Palace
London SW1A 1AA
United Kingdom
Madam,
On behalf of the leadership boards representing America’s Roundtable, International Leaders Summit, the Jerusalem Leaders Summit, and joined by our trusted partners, we convey our deepest condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family on the passing away of Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
From Her Majesty’s Accession in 1952 until his death, the Duke of Edinburgh, a principled leader, was such a devoted consort for over 70 years.
His honorable support of the sovereign and the dignified manner in which he represented the United Kingdom with vigor and virtue will always be remembered.
Prince Phillip understood the special relationship which has long united Great Britain and the United States of America from his own experiences serving in the Royal Navy during World War II in strategic locations including the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. As a 24 year old, the Duke was posted to the destroyer HMS Whelp, which escorted the USS Missouri into Sagami Bay. From 200 yards away, he bore witness to the historic Surrender Ceremony which took place on September 2, 1945.
Prince Phillip affirmed the indispensable foundation for freedom, peace, security, and prosperity between America and Britain. He was most supportive of Queen Elizabeth’s strong support of the UK-US partnership as strong rule of law nations with a shared history, affirming the British common law and the foundational Judeo-Christian heritage.
We admire and cherish the memory of Prince Philip’s strong commitment to duty. Benjamin Disraeli shared these words, “A nation, as an individual, has duties to fulfill appointed by God and His moral law.” On reflecting on the life and legacy of Prince Philip, we are reminded of his great sense of duty and responsibility to the Queen, the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and its allies. These virtues exhibited by a leader from a unique generation, and noting his sacrifices for his country, are to be praised, honored and emulated today.
Prince Philip’s admirable and notable leadership through his philanthropic work in supporting 800 charities, a positive engagement with the youth, and fostering sports with enthusiastic new generations will be remembered as part of his legacy.
Indeed, we have lost a remarkable leader and a great advocate for freedom and economic opportunity for everyone within the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world. His life and legacy embodied the significance of duty, honor and service. He represented a unique generation known for sacrificing much for the great cause of freedom against tyranny and oppression.
May his memory be a blessing to all.
Yours sincerely,
International Leaders Summit’s Leadership Board Members and Partners
Sir Ivan Lawrence, QC, Member of the British Parliament (1974-1997), Chairman, Home Affairs Committee, Member, Foreign Affairs Committee, Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (UK Branch) and Executive Advisory Board Member of International Leaders Summit
Governor Phil Bryant, Chairman, Royal Commonwealth Society (US Branch), Executive Advisory Board Member of International Leaders Summit and Co-Host, America’s Roundtable
U.S. Congressman Mike Bost, Ranking Member, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and United States Marine Corps (1979-1982)
Dr. Shanti Gandhi, House of Representatives, State of Kansas, Executive Advisory Board of International Leaders Summit, Retired Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon and great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi
Honorable Maurice McTigue, QSO, Cabinet Minister (1990 to 1993), Member of Parliament New Zealand (1985-1993), New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Canada (1994-1997), and Executive Advisory Board Member of International Leaders Summit
U. S. Congressman David Brat (2014 to 2019), Dean of Business School, Liberty University and Executive Advisory Board Member of International Leaders Summit
Natasha Srdoc, MBA, Co-Founder, International Leaders Summit and Co-Host, America’s Roundtable
Joel Anand Samy, Co-Founder, International Leaders Summit and Co-Host, America’s Roundtable
Tracy Bost, Owner, The White House Salon and Executive Advisory Board Member of International Leaders Summit
Emil Hirsch, Shareholder, Carlton Fields, Washington, DC, and Executive Advisory Board Member, International Leaders Summit
Steve Davenport, Founder and Chairman, SuperTalk Mississippi Media
Kim Dillon, President and CEO, SuperTalk Mississippi Media
Les Lanser, Chairman and CEO, Lanser Broadcasting Corporation
Ellie Cohanim, Former U.S. Deputy Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism at the U.S. Department of State
Manu Nichani, President, The Nichani Group and Executive Advisory Board Member, International Leaders Summit.
Dr. David Faria, CEO, Transinnova International and Executive Advisory Board Member, International Leaders Summit.
Dr. Sunita Kanumury, Former Chairman, Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) and Executive Advisory Board Member, International Leaders Summit
Dr. Joseph Anand Samy, President, Asian Indian Ministries
