ABOUT
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was a prominent figure in British royalty, serving as the consort of Queen Elizabeth II from her accession to the throne in 1952 until his death in 2021. Born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark on June 10, 1921, in Mon Repos, Corfu, Greece, he became a naturalized British citizen and renounced his Greek and Danish titles shortly before his marriage to Princess Elizabeth in 1947. Noted for his dedication to public service, his role in the modernization of the British monarchy, and his numerous charitable endeavors, Prince Philip was one of the longest-serving consorts in British history.
BEFORE FAME
Prince Philip was born into the Greek and Danish royal families, the youngest child and only son of Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg. His early life was marked by upheaval; his family was exiled from Greece when he was an infant, leading to a peripatetic childhood across Europe. He attended schools in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom before joining the Royal Navy in 1939, a career that saw active service during World War II. His naval career was distinguished and ultimately shaped his character and sense of duty.
TRIVIA
- Prince Philip's early education took place at the MacJannet American School and the Schloss Salem boarding school in Germany before finishing his education at Gordonstoun in Scotland.
- He was known for his forthright and sometimes controversial comments, often referred to as "gaffes".
- Prince Philip was an avid sportsman, enjoying polo, carriage driving, and sailing.
- He was instrumental in establishing the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme, aimed at improving young people's lives around the world.
- In addition to his duties as consort, he held the title of Duke of Edinburgh from November 1947, along with the titles Earl of Merioneth and Baron Greenwich.
FAMILY LIFE
Prince Philip married Princess Elizabeth on November 20, 1947, a union that produced four children: Charles, Prince of Wales; Princess Anne, Princess Royal; Prince Andrew, Duke of York; and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex. The couple's marriage spanned over seven decades. Despite occasional public scrutiny, they maintained a strong partnership, with Philip supporting the Queen in her duties. He was also a beloved grandfather and great-grandfather to numerous royal descendants.
ASSOCIATED WITH
Prince Philip's life was inextricably linked with Queen Elizabeth II, whom he married in 1947 and supported throughout her long reign. His work with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award allied him with young people globally, helping them to develop essential skills and experiences. He was also closely associated with the British armed forces, holding numerous honorary military appointments. Furthermore, his environmental and scientific interests connected him with organizations like the World Wildlife Fund, reflecting his lifelong commitment to various humanitarian and conservation causes.
