Watch that moment when Prince Philip broke a Sheffield laboratory machine on a tour

The archive film clip shows the Duke of Edinburgh visiting steel research laboratories in Sheffield and Edlington pit in Doncaster in 1953.

Dr Don Spenceley, former head of process research for British Steel, was just a junior member of staff when the Duke of Edinburgh visited the British Iron & Steel Research Association on Hoyle Street to open the laboratories.

He recalled: “One of the stops shown was at a new multi-capstan wire drawing machine where it had been decided that the Duke would be invited to operate the emergency stop button, demonstrating the safety of the machine.

Describing the scene shown on a picture he supplied, Dr Spenceley wrote: “The Duke duly obliged without any qualms and can be seen on the photograph with his hand on the button. However, note on the photograph the reaching hand of the head of department, Dr George Wistreich, which seems to be displaying an appeal not to press the button, clearly concerned that it was a balmy idea which needed to be abandoned. But it was too late.

‘That’s broken that’ – Prince Philip

“The Duke did the job with the result being a crashing noise of wire being spread-eagled on the inside of the safety-covered shielded capstans. The Duke calmly commented with words to the effect of “That’s broken that” but a bit stronger. The event was probably the highlight of his day at BISRA but the nightmare for Dr Wistreich.”

The BBC clip is one of a series from their archives, showing various aspects of Yorkshire life. In this film, which has no sound, the Duke can be seen arriving by official car and being greeted at the door, while excited little boys wave Union flags.

Then the film shows machinery in the archives, with staff explaining to the Duke what they do. He moves to the wire-drawing machine, where the button is indicated on a control panel, and presses it. You can see Dr Wistreich’s hand move forward but it appears he realises he isn’t going to be able to intervene in time.

The film cuts to the fast-revolving drum coming to an abrupt halt but sadly we can’t hear the Duke’s reaction.

Here’s 11 Sheffield pubs and bars with glorious beer gardens

After that, he views a furnace through a piece of tinted glass and almost knocks over a mannequin wearing protective equipment.

At Edlington coliery, the Duke’s dapper suit and bowler hat have been exchanged for a donkey jacket and hard hat and he carries what may be a shot firer’s stick.

He is shown being searched for contraband (anything that could cause a fire underground) by one of the pit head workers, who is grinning hugely at taking on such a strange job. It looks like the Duke is making a joke.

The visit looks very popular, with crowds waiting to get a glimpse of the Royal visitor.

You can watch the three-minute video at https://www.thestar.co.uk/retro

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor