Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was a key figure in British royal history. He was born on June 10, 1921, in Corfu, Greece, and died on April 9, 2021, at Windsor Castle, England, at 991. As Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, he was the longest-serving royal consort in British history2. This biography will explore his life, from his early years to his military service and contributions to the royal family and society.
Prince Philip married Queen Elizabeth II in 1947 and had four children: Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward2. As the Queen Elizabeth husband, he supported her throughout her reign. He undertook many royal duties and engagements. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was dedicated to philanthropy and public service, leaving a lasting legacy in British history.
Key Takeaways
- Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was born on June 10, 1921, in Corfu, Greece1.
- He served as the longest-serving royal consort in British history, supporting Queen Elizabeth II throughout her reign2.
- Prince Philip married Queen Elizabeth II in 1947 and had four children: Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward2.
- He undertook over 22,000 solo appearances and delivered 5,493 speeches in 70 years2.
- Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, passed away on April 9, 2021, at Windsor Castle, England, at the age of 991.
Early Life and Background
Prince Philip, a key royal family member, was born into a mix of Greek and Danish royalty34. His early years were filled with change and strength.
Birth and Childhood
He was born on June 10, 1921, in Corfu, Greece. He was the sixth in line to the Greek throne. But, his family’s luck changed in 1922 when his uncle gave up the throne after the Greco-Turkish War. This led to their exile34.
Philip faced a big loss at 16 when his sister Cecile and their family died in a plane crash. His uncle and guardian also died that year. This left him to grow up without his family34.
Family Heritage
Philip’s family ties him to both Greek and Danish royalty. This heritage deeply connects him to British royalty. It shaped his identity and his role in the British monarchy34.
Education
He studied in France and Germany before moving to the UK. Philip graduated in 1939 from the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, England. This prepared him for a life of service in the British royalty34.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1921 | Born in Corfu, Greece |
| 1922 | Family exiled from Greece |
| 1931 | Mother diagnosed with schizophrenia |
| 1939 | Graduated from Royal Naval College |
| 1947 | Married Princess Elizabeth |
Military Service and Royal Duties
Prince Philip had a distinguished military career and was a leader. He joined the Royal Navy in 1939, ranking 16th out of 34 in his entrance exam5. He graduated as the top cadet from Dartmouth’s Royal Naval College, showing his dedication early on5.
Naval Career Highlights
Appointed a midshipman in January 1940, Philip served on ships like HMS Ramillies and HMS Wallace5. At 21, he became one of the youngest first lieutenants. He showed exceptional leadership during the Battle of Cape Matapan5.
Role in the British Royal Family
When Princess Elizabeth became queen in 1952, Philip moved from active duty to royal duties5. He helped modernize the Windsor family’s image, making the monarchy more relatable to the public6.
Contributions to the Commonwealth
Philip’s efforts were felt worldwide through 637 overseas tours, strengthening ties6. He took part in 22,219 solo engagements, showing his commitment to public service6.
The Windsor family greatly benefited from his strategic insights and support. This was evident during significant events, like the Prince Philip funeral, which showed his lasting legacy6.
Philanthropy and Legacy
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, spent his life helping others. He made a big difference in local and global communities.
Patronages and Charitable Work
The Duke of Edinburgh supported 992 charities in his life. He was president, patron, or honorary member of many7. He was also the first president of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) from 1961 to 19827.
He chaired The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. This program helped 6.7 million young people in the UK and is now in over 130 countries8.
Environmental Initiatives
Prince Philip loved the environment. He worked hard to protect wildlife and support sustainable practices. His work as WWF president showed his commitment to nature7.
Educational Contributions
The Duke of Edinburgh helped education a lot. He was Chancellor of four universities7. He also supported Book Aid International, giving books to poor countries7.
He promoted science, technology, and innovation. His work helped education grow worldwide.
| Area | Contribution | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Charitable Organizations | Supported 992 charities | Enhanced community services and support |
| Environmental Conservation | First president of WWF | Promoted wildlife protection globally |
| Education | Chancellor of four universities | Advanced educational initiatives |
Personal Life and Interests
Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, lived a life full of dedication. He was devoted to his family and his passions. His work and interests showed the real person behind the title.
Marriage to Queen Elizabeth II
Prince Philip married Princess Elizabeth on November 20, 1947. The ceremony was held at Westminster Abbey and had 2,500 guests9. They were married for 73 years, the longest time of any British consort10.
They had four children: Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward9.
Hobbies and Passions
Philip loved sports, mainly carriage driving. He enjoyed it all his life. He was also interested in technology and science, showing his curious side.
In 1956, he started the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. It now involves thousands of young people in over 140 countries each year10911.
Last Years and Recollections
In his later years, Prince Philip stepped back from public duties. He had done over 22,219 engagements and more than 630 solo overseas visits10. He died on April 9, 2021, at 99, at Windsor Castle10911.
His funeral was held at St George’s Chapel, with strict COVID-19 rules91011.
FAQ
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How did Prince Philip balance his military career with his royal duties?
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Source Links
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Philip-duke-of-Edinburgh – Philip, duke of Edinburgh | Biography & Facts | Britannica
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Philip,_Duke_of_Edinburgh – Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
- https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/a10267489/young-prince-philip-childhood/ – Prince Philip’s Tragic Childhood
- https://www.biography.com/royalty/prince-philip – Prince Philip – Funeral, Death & Siblings
- https://www.forcesnews.com/news/prince-philip-duke-edinburghs-active-service-career – Prince Philip’s active service career
- https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/about-us/news/prince-philip-a-true-military-hero/ – Prince Philip: A True Military Hero
- https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/prince-philip-charities-duke-of-edinburgh-award-b1829522.html – Which charities did Prince Philip support?
- https://www.dofe.org/celebrating-the-life-of-hrh-the-duke-of-edinburgh/ – Celebrating the life of HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, an inspirational and committed champion of young people – The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
- https://www.hellomagazine.com/profiles/20091008116/prince-philip-duke-of-edinburgh/ – Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh – Biography
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/22524608 – The life of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
- https://www.historyextra.com/period/20th-century/life-of-the-week-prince-philip/ – Your guide to the Queen’s husband, Prince Philip
