A "GOBSMACKED" resident has told the tale of how he was lost for words after an unexpected encounter with Prince Philip during a Royal visit to Southend.

After reading in the Echo the Queen was headed to the seafront, Trevor Bell, who lives in Westcliff, grabbed his trusty camera and headed down to capture the occasion back in 1999.

Setting himself up along near the Kursaal, he set about capturing the delighted crowds waiting for the Queen.

As Her Majesty approach he prepared to take the perfect snap, but his view was soon blocked.

Trevor said: "I managed to get the day off work especially, and headed to the seafront with some clumsy camera equipment I wouldn't dream of using nowadays.

"Crowds of people lined the seafront, and I positioned myself amongst them up against a barrier.

"Then I rather awkwardly pointed my camera with it's long lens towards the Queen, who was walking on the very far side of the road.

"Suddenly someone stands in front of my lens totally blocking my view to which I muttered a rude word, lowered my camera and found Prince Phillip standing there grinning at me."

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Trevor, 75, said he had no idea the Duke of Edinburgh was set to be at the Royal engagement.

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"He said that the view of the Estuary reminded him somewhat of Scarborough and where had I come from, I still totally gobsmacked replied 'I'm local'," Trevor said.

"There was so much I could have told him but no that was all I could say.

"He then picked up a child standing at the barrier nearby and carried the child right across the road to meet the Queen and then back again to the child's mother, this I think he did with children a number of times."

Trevor said he had been left shocked by the news of Prince Philip's passing on Friday, but would also cherish the memories of his unexpected encounter with the Duke.

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"I was really upset about the news and I thought it was very sad given him and the Queen were such a team," he said.

"I am glad I was able to meet him even if I wish I had said something different.

"I had no idea he was there and it took me completely by surprise.

"I am sure he stood in front of my camera on purpose. He was known for playing with photographers."

Trevor added: "It was a very special day indeed from which I cherish the photos I took."

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