Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Prince Philip as a toddler

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HMS Valiant-2

Prince Philip beard

Princess Elizabeth and Duke of Edinburgh wedding portrait

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Princess Elizabeth, Prince Philip and Louis St. Laurent (retouched)

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Elizabeth and Philip 1953

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, 10 June 1921 – 9 April 2021) was a member of the British royal family as the husband of Queen Elizabeth II. He was the longest-serving consort of a reigning British monarch and the oldest-ever male member of the British royal family.

Early Life

Prince Philip was born on the Greek island of Corfu, into the Greek and Danish royal families. He was the only son of Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg. His family was exiled from Greece when he was an infant, and he was subsequently educated in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Marriage and Family

Philip married Princess Elizabeth on 20 November 1947. Before the marriage, he renounced his Greek and Danish titles and became a naturalized British subject, adopting the surname Mountbatten from his mother's family. Upon his marriage, he was granted the title Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich by King George VI. The couple had four children: Charles, Prince of Wales, Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.

Public Life and Duties

As consort to the Queen, Prince Philip supported her in her duties as sovereign, accompanying her to various ceremonies, state dinners, and tours abroad. He was involved in numerous organizations, particularly those focused on the environment, industry, sport, and education. He founded the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in 1956, a youth awards program that operates in over 140 countries.

Military Service

Prince Philip served in the Royal Navy during World War II, seeing active service in the Mediterranean and Pacific Fleets. He was mentioned in dispatches for his service during the Battle of Cape Matapan and was present in Tokyo Bay when the Japanese Instrument of Surrender was signed.

Later Life and Death

Prince Philip retired from royal duties on 2 August 2017, having completed 22,219 solo engagements and 5,493 speeches since 1952. He passed away on 9 April 2021 at Windsor Castle at the age of 99. His funeral was held on 17 April 2021 at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

Titles, Styles, and Honours

Throughout his life, Prince Philip received numerous titles and honours. He was made a Knight of the Garter in 1947 and held many other British and foreign orders and decorations. He was also Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Salford, and the University of Wales.

Legacy

Prince Philip is remembered for his dedication to his royal duties, his support of the Queen, and his contributions to various charitable causes. His legacy continues through the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and the numerous organizations he supported.

Related Pages

• Queen Elizabeth II
• Charles, Prince of Wales
• Princess Anne, The Princess Royal
• Prince Andrew, Duke of York
• Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex
• Duke of Edinburgh's Award
• Royal Navy
• St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle