logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Prince Philip and 25 Facts Royal Fans Might Have Missed about Him

Ra'eesah Manack
Dec 29, 2019
07:30 P.M.

Prince Phillip is one of the most known modern-day royals globally, but there are still some facts about him that may surprise fans.

Advertisement

Buckingham Palace, through a statement issued by the press secretary of the Queen, recently released 50 facts about the life and work of the Duke of Edinburgh, focused particularly on his support of Queen Elizabeth.

Apart from being the longest-reigning consort to Her Majesty, here's a look at twenty-five of the facts recorded at Buckingham Palace that fans might not know about Prince Phillip.

Philip Mountbatten (b1921) duke of Edinburgh, wearing his uniform of Field Marshal of the British Army, 1953 | Getty Images

Philip Mountbatten (b1921) duke of Edinburgh, wearing his uniform of Field Marshal of the British Army, 1953 | Getty Images

1. Prince Philip was born on June 10, 1921, at the Villa Mon Repos, a place where the Greek royals spent their summers. The residence was built on the island of Corfu.

2. He Prince Andrew of Greece and Princess Alice of Battenberg's youngest and only son. His older sisters are Princess Sophie, Princess Cecilie, Princess Theodora, and Princess Margarita, all of whom have already died.

Advertisement
The Duke of Edinburgh attends the opening of the Diana Memorial Fountain in memory of the late Princess |  Getty Images

The Duke of Edinburgh attends the opening of the Diana Memorial Fountain in memory of the late Princess | Getty Images

3. The Monarch is the great-great-grandchild of Queen Victoria, and so is Prince Philip. While her Majesty is in the direct line of Prince Albert Edward, Queen Victoria's eldest son, the Prince is a direct descendant of Princess Alice, Queen Victoria's third child.

4. Prince Philip was an active Royal Navy recruit throughout the Second World War and had his first naval appointment when he was 18, serving as a midshipman to HMS RAMILLIES.

 HM The Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh re-visit Broadlands, to mark their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on November 20. | Getty Images

HM The Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh re-visit Broadlands, to mark their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on November 20. | Getty Images

Advertisement

5. Prince Philip was included in several engagements after joining the HMS VALIANT Mediterranean Fleet. He served on the March 21, 1941, battle of Matapan and was recognized in despatches for his time monitoring of the searchlights. Because of his service, he received the Greek War Cross of Valour.

6. He later participated in the destroyer HMS WHELP in the Pacific and was included on the September 2, 1945, Japanese surrender at Tokyo Bay.

Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, prior to his marriage to Princess Elizabeth, saluting as he resumes his attendance at the Royal Naval Officers School at Kingsmoor | Getty Images

Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, prior to his marriage to Princess Elizabeth, saluting as he resumes his attendance at the Royal Naval Officers School at Kingsmoor | Getty Images

7. The Duke stopped his naval engagements in July 1951 and focused on his wife's royal duties. On January 15, 1953, he became Admiral of the Fleet.

8. When Prince Philip tied the knot with Queen Elizabeth in 1947, he was named Duke of Edinburgh, Baron Greenwich, and Earl of Merioneth. In 1957, her Majesty gave him the title Prince of the United Kingdom.

Advertisement
Prince Harry and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh attend the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match  | Getty Images

Prince Harry and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh attend the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match | Getty Images

9. The Duke of Edinburgh was not crowned during the 1953 coronation ceremony, as his wife stepped into power as Queen. At that time, he remained the Sovereign's spouse.

10. The Duke has a keen interest in flying and has mastered the art of controlling many types of aircraft. He had RAF wings, helicopter wings, and a private pilot's license since the years 1953, 1956, and 1959, respectively. He also spent over 5,986 hours in 59 types of aircraft.

Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend Christmas Day Church service | Getty Images

Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend Christmas Day Church service | Getty Images

Advertisement

11. He launched The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and International Award as a means of helping the youth engage in skill and community-based tests.

12. Prince Philip regularly pens pieces on animal, technological, environmental, and equestrian topics. He authored the books "Survival or Extinction: A Christian Attitude to the Environment," "Selected Speeches," and "Birds from Britannia."

Philip Mountbatten, prior to his marriage to Princess Elizabeth, batting at the nets during cricket practice while in the Royal Navy | Getty Images

Philip Mountbatten, prior to his marriage to Princess Elizabeth, batting at the nets during cricket practice while in the Royal Navy | Getty Images

13. The Duke stayed by his wife's side during all 251 international engagements, including the travel to several countries for the Coronation tour of the Commonwealth from 1953 to 1954.

14. Prince Philip has completed more than 18,567 official solo engagements, without the Queen, both in the United Kingdom and overseas.

Advertisement
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh as he smiles during a carriage driving event, Home Park, Windsor, England, July 1975. | Getty Images

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh as he smiles during a carriage driving event, Home Park, Windsor, England, July 1975. | Getty Images

15. His only constitutional role is as Privy Counsellor. Although he was a House of Lords member until 1999, he remained silent due to his politically neutral wife.

16. Prince Philip has chaired over 1,454 meetings for his represented organizations.

 Royal Highnesses Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret with Lieut. Philip Mountbatten', 9 July 1947.  | Getty Images

Royal Highnesses Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret with Lieut. Philip Mountbatten', 9 July 1947. | Getty Images

Advertisement

17. He is extremely fascinated with science and technology and became a Patron of the Industrial Society in 1952. The Duke also began the Fellowship of Engineering, currently called the Royal Academy of Engineering.

18. Prince Philip is history's fifth and longest-serving consort to a reigning queen.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh watch a cricket match at Highclere Castle, Highclere, Hampshire | Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh watch a cricket match at Highclere Castle, Highclere, Hampshire | Getty Images

19. He was the World Wildlife Fund-UK's first President from 1961 to 1982 and was the WWF's International President from 1981 to 1996.

20. Dark green is the Prince's official livery color, also called "Edinburgh Green." It has been used for staff liveries and private cars.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, wearing formal dress as they attend a concert at Festival Hall, London | Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, wearing formal dress as they attend a concert at Festival Hall, London | Getty Images

Advertisement

21. In 1948, he became a Trustee of the National Maritime Museum and took part in saving the tea clipper, Cutty Sark. He also helped settle the Maritime Trust.

22. The Duke was an essential player in restoring Windsor Castle after the great fire of 1992. He sat as Chairman of the general Restoration Committee.

Queen Elizabeth ll and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh relax whilst on holiday on September 26, 1976 | Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth ll and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh relax whilst on holiday on September 26, 1976 | Getty Images

23. In May 1961, Prince Philip became the first royal family member to be interviewed on television, called the "Panorama" program. Richard Dimbleby interviewed on the topic Commonwealth Technical Training Week.

24. Prince Philip stood as the President of the National Federation of Housing Associations from 1975-1980 and led the Inquiry into British Housing and Westminster Abbey Restoration Committee.

Advertisement
Close-up of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh as he smiles during a carriage driving event, Home Park, Windsor, England | Getty Images

Close-up of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh as he smiles during a carriage driving event, Home Park, Windsor, England | Getty Images

25. The Duke was forced to renounce his Greek royal title on February 28, 1947, to be a British subject.

Prince Philip lived a long life, passing away on April 9, 2021, days short of her Majesty's birthday and a few months before what would be his 100th birthday.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Prince Harry Is Flying Home to Dad King Charles after His Cancer Diagnosis: Details

February 07, 2024

Prince Harry Is Flying Home to Dad King Charles after His Cancer Diagnosis: Details

February 06, 2024

Meghan Markle Stayed at Home as Prince Harry Flew to Ill King Charles' Side, Report

February 06, 2024

Prince William's Attire during 1st Outing after Dad King Charles' Cancer Announcement Sparks Mixed Reactions

February 07, 2024

Why Did Prince Harry Choose to Stay at a Hotel While Visiting His Ailing Father, King Charles?

February 09, 2024

Why Did Prince Harry Choose to Stay at a Hotel While Visiting His Ailing Father, King Charles?

February 08, 2024

Prince Harry Chose ‘Not to Be in the Same Room with His Stepmother’ While Visiting His Ailing Father, Her Friend Claims

February 15, 2024

Prince Harry Chose ‘Not to Be in the Same Room with His Stepmother’ While Visiting His Ailing Father, Her Friend Claims

February 14, 2024

First Photos of Meghan Markle since Prince Harry Left to See Ailing Dad Spark Heated Discussion

February 08, 2024

First Photos of Meghan Markle since Prince Harry Left to See Ailing Dad Spark Heated Discussion

February 09, 2024

Prince Harry Seen at Las Vegas Event after Visiting Ailing Father, King Charles, Sparking a Heated Stir

February 09, 2024

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Arrive in Canada on Private Jet, Igniting Backlash: Photo & Details

February 14, 2024

King Charles, 75, Issues His First Public Statement since Cancer Diagnosis

February 08, 2024

King Charles Speaks about Cancer Diagnosis for the 1st Time & Reveals Why He Made It Public

February 12, 2024