Prince Philip's death of itself did not surprise me because although he had until a few months ago really good health for someone in their nineties, the picture of him leaving the hospital just a short while ago chilled me to the bone.
He looked to me gravely ill probably at the point of which the hospital could do no more so it was better for him to be 'at home' and get affairs in order with other family members not least our Queen, Elizabeth II.
Prince Philip to me was very much the father figure of the nation, a man who set the example of being of use to The Queen in connection with her role as Head of State, a man of necessity had to step back from what would of been an illustrious career in the Royal Navy to do his duty and, lord knows he did.
He always had an interest in technology and science believing in humanities ability to solve the issues of the day rationally through research supporting scientific bodies, even being involved in design directly.
He recognized the post industrial world required scientific minds, capable of logical thought before politicians caught up with the changing world.
He believed strongly in the potential of youth, a potential he felt was neglected supporting movements such as Girlguiding and the Scout Association and with the aid of his former head teacher created out nothing the program, the Duke of Edinbugh Awards that taught fresh skills, offered new and challenging opportunities that would promote personal growth for 14-25 year olds.
He championed Environmental concerns before many did, speaking out against the loss of habitats and species, playing a big part in the World Wide Fund for Nature and not as just a patron and giver of short speeches at annual meetings but directly in international meetings for them.
That hands on style run deep through him. If he was involved that was because he was committed and would put 100% into it.
He kept links with and supported our armed services, visiting them around the world and through associations devoted to the will-being of them understand only too well as a WW2 veteran himself just what sacrifices they make for us.
He also played a role in supporting the Royal Family, being involved with the children, helping as best he could the adult children resolve issues that came up having gone through upheavals as a child himself.
For all his at times gruff and very much masculine nature he was very sensitive caring for them all as exasperating as it might be.
For that having met him, I miss him hugely.
Dame Shirley Williams (third from left) was a different kind of influence.
The product of a middle class catholic family, hers was in standing up for women's roles in politics at a time where few ventured there, becoming a Member of Parliament when few parties including Britain's Labour Party wanted women candidates (nor did the Trades Unions) and becoming a shadow minister.
When Labour in the mess that was 1974 in the UK, just won the General Election (and there was two that year!) by four votes she became a Cabinet Minister for Prices and Incomes and in 1976 was promoted to Minister for Education and Science, a role she was well placed with her experiences and education to play.
When her party was out of office by the very late 1970's and was going through a crazy period of wanting to nationalize and take control of any substantial business, have state control of investment and five year plans, remove the nuclear deterrent, declaring many areas as nuclear free zones oblivious to the fact radiation doesn't respect signs.
If that wasn't enough some took to personally abusing members who spoke out against it and she confronted them at their conference.
Not for the first time in her life had she shown she had the 'bottle' to take on that which was just wrong reminding them that fascism can come from the political left as much as the right and with three others split from the party to fight for sensible centre left policies that many labour voters supported (and still do).
She became a Lord and took the role seriously, holding the Government of the day to account which is essential in a parliamentary democracy.
She inspired me to go into politics for a period, breaking the mould.
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