Even back in 1950, sixpence was not exactly a princely sum. But to Terence Holmes it certainly was – and 66 years later, it is now a priceless treasured memento.

Mr Holmes, 89, from Gillingham, has kept the old “tanner”, as the 6d coin was commonly known, as his unique link to the Royal Family.

And with his 90th birthday coming up next month, he was also born in the same year as the Queen who celebrated her milestone birthday last week.

Way back then Mr Holmes was an acting petty officer in the Royal Navy serving on board HMS Chequers and, as he was a dab hand with the scissors, he would give shipmates the benefit of his skills.

Word of his cutting-edge prowess spread among ratings while the destroyer was in port in Malta – but the official permission to earn a few bob on the side had to be granted by the ship’s Lt Cdr – Prince Philip.

Not only did HRH give him the go-ahead, but two days later requested a short back and sides himself before going on shore where his wife, the young Princess Elizabeth, was staying on the Mediterranean island.

Mr Holmes wrote in his diary on May 17 1950: “Obtained official permission to cut hair on board from the Duke with a recommend from one of the lads I had done the night before.”

An entry days later read: “Cut Philip’s hair (HRH Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh). Business flourishing. Working flat out.”

Mr Holmes charged the Duke – who as top officer earned the naval slang nickname of Jimmy the One – the standard price of 6d (now two and half pence in decimal money) – and declined the temptation to suggest a tip.

He said: “That was cheap at the price – in the High Street it might have cost double that. He didn’t really say much. Really, he only socialised with the officers, but he seemed pleased with the cut.”

Mr Holmes inherited his talent for hairdressing from his father John Holmes who had a salon in his home town of Lincoln.

After leaving the Navy in 1954 he took up an apprenticeship and opened his own barbers in North Street, Strood, before moving to P and R Classic Barbers in the High Street. He retired about 40 years ago but the business is still going with the same haircutters he worked with then – Roger Clout and Peter Gregory.

Mr Holmes has fond memories of his days in the Navy as a young man in his 20s and reminisces with his family including sons Stephen, 60, Trevor, 57, and daughter Jackie, 58.

He and his wife Doreen celebrated 60 years of marriage in July 2011 but she passed away two years later.