When you think of the “Royal Family” of England, who comes to mind? Queen Elizabeth, her son, Prince Charles, her children, Prince William and Harry, or her late mother, Diana? But the only “royal” you may not immediately recognize is Queen Elizabeth’s husband and consort: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Photos that have been taken of royalty generally include all members, including Prince Philip sitting or standing next to the queen. He’s the one the press rarely mentions in the tabloids: the real “black sheep.” But don’t tell the inhabitants of the small Yaohnanen village on the island of Tanna, located in the South Pacific. For them, Prince Philip is literally a god. This strange cult is called the “Prince Phillip Movement.”
In 1974, Queen Elizabeth and Philip visited Tanna. The Yaohnanen members saw the royal couple from a distance. At the time, they recalled a prophecy that likely developed in the 1950s or 1960s. According to legend, the people of Yaohnanen believe that Prince Philip is descended from one of their spiritual ancestors who traveled the world to marry a queen. However, Phillip himself was unaware of this tribe and its strange beliefs until later; the British Resident Commissioner told him that this tribe worshiped him as a god and explained why. As high as he was in status among British society, even Phillip was probably extremely surprised, even amused by this strange news. The Commissioner suggests to Prince Philip that he send them a portrait of himself. He agreed and sent a signed official photograph. The villagers responded by sending him a traditional pig slaughter club called final–final. In fulfillment of his request, the Prince sent a photograph of himself posing with the club. Another photograph was sent in 2000.
Although this primitive tribe has no electricity or running water, they take great care of these items and build a sanctuary for the “great” Phillip. They even own a book on Phillip’s life and revere it like a Bible. His shrine is also decorated with a Union Jack flag.
According to the Yaohnanen people, Phillip’s return to the island is imminent. Some are convinced that the cyclone that devastated the Pacific nation in March was the dramatic backdrop of nature for its arrival in 2016. As far as everyone knows, Phillip does not plan to visit his “disciples” anytime soon. Villagers understand that “God” is over 90 years old and may not take the journey. For the moment, their sanctuary allows them to be as close to Phillip as possible.
