Is Prince Philip an island god?
The Prince Philip movement is a cult based in the island of Tanna in Vanuatu, off the coast of Australia. Specifically, the Yaohnanan tribe on the island worships the Duke of Edinburgh as a deity. To some, the belief is an offshoot of the John Frum cult, which can also be found on Tanna. The cult was formed in the late 1950's-early 1960's, and is still strong today. The mixing of the outside world with the tribe's traditional values serves to keep their culture alive, and they believe that Prince Philip originated from Tanna and is keeping their culture alive in England.
The Prince Philip movement is not the only cult to emerge on the island of Tanna. It was preceded by the John Frum cult, which worships the figure 'John Frum', or 'John From (America)' and believes that their deity will return bearing gifts.
Similarly, the Prince Philip movement spends their time writing letters to the Duke of Edinburgh, worshiping photos of him, and eagerly awaiting his arrival each year. Prince Philip is aware of this distant adoration, and has met with some of the tribesmen as well as sent a signed photo, which is now worshiped by the tribe.
Similarly, the Prince Philip movement spends their time writing letters to the Duke of Edinburgh, worshiping photos of him, and eagerly awaiting his arrival each year. Prince Philip is aware of this distant adoration, and has met with some of the tribesmen as well as sent a signed photo, which is now worshiped by the tribe.