Sikor Natuan, (click here) the son of the local chief, holds two official portraits Prince Philip in front of the chief's hut in the remote village of Yaohnanen on Tanna in Vanuatu. This image was taken ahead of the Duke’s 90th birthday.

January 27, 2015

Mitchell Toy

...Members of the remote community, some 3600 km northeast of Australia, claim to sometimes hear the Duke’s voice and hope that he will one day return to hand out presents, as reported in Christian Science Monitor eight years ago....

Did you get that part? The tribe has been worshiping Prince Phillip since 1974 and the "Christian Science Monitor" backs them up with enthusiasm.

...Having seen the respect given to the Queen by French administrators, the Tannese believed Philip, her husband, was the returning mountain god.

A weird mix of Christian intervention, colonisation and the emergence of a “cargo cult” obsession is blamed for the tribespeople people now treasuring portraits of Philip — believing he is a spirit and making plans for his divine return.

The culture’s beliefs were further fanned by the Prince sending them a signed official photograph some years after the visit, then another portrait of him posing with traditional Tannese gear....

This is what the USA is in for with Trump breaking down the wall of church and state. This isn't the entire story, the tribe (bless there hearts) believes weather events are linked to the ups and downs of Prince Phillip. Sort of sounds like climate denial has been in full swing for a long time.

25 April 2015

...Followers of Vanuatu's Prince Philip Movement (click here) believe the Duke is descended from one of their spirit ancestors, and some are convinced the cyclone that ravaged the Pacific nation in March was nature's dramatic curtain-raiser to his arrival in 2016....

There is another storm headed to this tiny island and they are once again worried about 93 year old Duke Phillip and their future.

Mr Baylis said they may see it as an indication the Duke (click here) has reached a higher sacred status, similar to local 'taboo men' who are separated from others and subject to various restrictions.

"They told me that they see Philip's living in a Palace, surrounded by guards, and travelling in a car with darkened windows, as evidence of his taboo status," he said. "So they may well see his withdrawal from public duties as connected to that - having attained some higher rung of taboo, sacred status."

"Equally, they might think he is preparing to come 'back' to Tanna, in some form, spiritually or bodily."

"Equally, they might think he is preparing to come 'back' to Tanna, in some form, spiritually or bodily."