Prince Philip: Interesting Facts Revealed On British Royal Family

Born into the Greek royal family, Prince Philip's life began with more than a dash of drama, imagine being whisked away from your homeland hidden in an orange crate! Not exactly a run-of-the-mill childhood, right?

Yet, it's a testament to his resilience that he emerged from these trials to carve out an important place for himself in the annals of British history, becoming a proud Briton by marrying none other than Queen Elizabeth II herself!

Ever found yourself intrigued by this fascinating gentleman who remained steadfast by the side of Queen Elizabeth II, one of British history's longest reigning monarchs? Well, now's your perfect chance to satisfy that curiosity.

Here's a special invitation to a fun-filled exploration into the life of Prince Philip. Think of it as a treasure hunt, where the gold is all the captivating facts about his birth, achievements, lineage, and more!

Prince Philip's Life Journey

Prince Philip's life was no ordinary tale. Imagine starting as Greek and Danish royalty, escaping Greece in an orange crate, joining the navy, and then saying "I do" in a royal wedding that dreams are made of! As the steadfast Duke alongside Britain's longest-reigning Queen, his journey speaks volumes about dedication and innovation.

Prince Philip Mountbatten was born to Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg on June 10, 1921.

He was born in Mon Repos villa on the Greek island of Corfu. Philip was his parents' fifth child and only son.

In 1922, Philip's uncle, King Constantine I of Greece, was compelled to surrender following his defeat in the Greco-Turkish War. As a general in the Greek army, Philip's father, Prince Andrew, was also charged with treason.

After Andrew was banished from Greece for life, Philip's family fled to France on the British naval ship HMS Calypso. Philip was hidden in a fruit box onboard and carried to safety.

In France, Philip and his family settled in a house in the Paris suburb of Saint-Cloud lent to them by Princess Marie Bonaparte, who was Prince Philip's aunt.

Philip attended the Cheam School, then a school in Germany, and finally the Gordonstoun School in Scotland.

He completed a term as a cadet at the Dartmouth Royal Naval College after leaving Gordonstoun in early 1939.

Philip met Queen (then Princess) Elizabeth II in 1939 while the royal family was visiting the Dartmouth Royal Naval College. He escorted Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret on request from the Queen Mother and Lord Mountbatten.

Teen Elizabeth (aged 13) fell in love with Philip, and the couple exchanged letters. Only after she attained the age of 20, in 1946, did Philip write a letter to King George VI, asking for her hand in marriage. The official announcement of the engagement was proclaimed on July 9, 1947.

Philip renounced his Greek and Danish titles and became a naturalized British subject while also adopting his maternal surname of Mountbatten. He was bestowed the style of Royal Highness by the British monarch on the day before his wedding.

Prince Philip got married to Elizabeth on November 20, 1947. He was awarded the titles: Duke of Edinburgh, Baron Greenwich of Greenwich in the County of London, and the Earl of Merioneth. They got married in a cathedral in Westminster Abbey.

With Elizabeth's accession to the throne on June 2, 1953, Prince Philip became the royal consort and managed his duties until the age of 96. He passed away in Windsor Castle on April 9, 2021.

The most senior judge in the family division court, Sir Andrew McFarlane, ordered Prince Philip's will to be sealed for 90 years to maintain the dignity of the Queen, British sovereign, and close members of the royal family. It has been a tradition for the family courts to ask to seal the royal wills for nearly a century.

Interesting Facts About Prince Philip

Prince Philip's tale is anything but boring! Picture him fluently switching between English, French, and German conversations. Or, imagine him as a sports enthusiast, skillfully handling polo mallets, tossing cricket balls, and even bringing a modern touch to carriage driving. These snippets give a colorful glimpse into Philip's life, showcasing that being royal isn't just about crowns and palaces.

Prince Philip was the longest-serving royal consort in British royal history. He retired when he was 96 years old, which was about 30 years more than the average retirement age of most people. Post his retirement, he continued as a member of 780 organizations. 

Prince Philip as Duke of Edinburgh undertook 22,191 official solo engagements and gave 5,493 speeches during his entire career.

Philip died at the age of 99, making him the oldest male royal family member in history. However, he was not the most senior royal family member ever. This record is held by Princess Alice, who was the wife of Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester. She died at the age of 102 on October 29, 2004.

Prince Philip had a rather odd hobby of carriage driving that comprised old-fashioned carriages being pulled by horses. The Duke of Edinburgh helped set up the international rules for the sport. He also penned a book on the sport in 1994, named 'Competition Carriage Driving'.

Prince Philip was an artist and a designer, having designed stained-glass windows for Windsor Castle when it was being restored after its destruction in a devastating fire.

The Duke of Edinburgh was a well-decorated war hero and had accomplished many accolades in his youth while serving in the Royal Navy as a midshipman. He was named Admiral of the Fleet in 1953 and was also awarded the title Greek War Cross of Valor.

The Queen formally presented Prince Philip with the title and office of Lord High Admiral of the Navy to mark his 90th birthday.

Prince Philip's Indelible Footprints In The Royal British Family

Philip was so much more than Queen Elizabeth's loyal partner; he was a forward-thinking trendsetter, helping the monarchy keep up with the times. Ever seen that first-ever televised coronation?

Yes, that was Philip's lightbulb moment! As a doting dad to four royals, his values have left a lasting imprint on the family's future. His life is a reminder that roles, whether big or small, can indeed make waves.

Prince Philip escorted Queen Elizabeth on her Commonwealth tours and state visits, besides carrying out about 22,191 solo engagements.

He visited 143 countries in an official capacity and was involved with more than 780 organizations.

The Duke of Edinburgh started one of the most successful organizations for teenagers and young adults in 1956. It is named the Duke Of Edinburgh's Award, which has since expanded to 144 nations.

Prince Philip supervised the modernization of Buckingham Palace after the Second World War.

He was also involved in the re-organization of the Balmoral and Sandringham estates. He was also the Ranger of Windsor Great Park.

Prince Philip's Fabulous Four

Can you imagine calling Prince Philip "dad"? Well, four special individuals do! Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward. In his kids, Philip's legacy lives on, a vibrant blend of service, resilience, and innovation. It's a reminder that family is more than just bloodlines, it's also the legacy passed down.

King Charles IIIwas born Prince Charles Philip Arthur George on November 14, 1948, and is the eldest son of Prince Philip and  Queen Elizabeth II. He is the current king of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth sovereign states as of 2023.

Princess Anne, Princess Royal was born Princess Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise on August 15, 1950, as the second child of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and Queen Elizabeth II.

Prince Andrew, Duke of York was born Prince Andrew Albert Christian Edward on February 19, 1960, as the royal couple's second son and third child.

Prince Edward, the current Duke of Edinburgh was born Prince Edward Antony Richard Louis on March 10, 1964, as the youngest child of Prince Philip.

Prince Philip's Mother: Princess Alice

Princess Alice was no ordinary royal, she was a real-life hero, brimming with bravery, compassion, and an extraordinary spirit. From lending a hand during tough times to nurturing a royal brood, she wove a unique thread into the royal fabric. Are you ready to dive into her awe-inspiring life story?

Princess Alice was born on February 25, 1885, as Alice of Battenberg to Princess Victoria of Hesse and by Rhine (granddaughter of Queen Victoria) and Prince Louis of Battenberg.

She was the mother of Prince Philip, the former Duke of Edinburgh, and mother-in-law to Queen Elizabeth II.

During World War II, Alice sheltered Jewish refugees in her own home, risking her life. Her brave actions earned her the recognition of 'Righteous Among The Nations' by Israel.

Alice endured many personal hardships, including deafness from birth and a period of mental health struggles. Despite these, she continued to serve others with kindness and compassion.

In her final years, Alice founded an order of nuns known as the Christian Sisterhood of Martha and Mary and devoted her life to helping the poor and sick in Greece.

Facts About Prince Edward: The New Duke Of Edinburgh

Prepare to be charmed by a royal who's got a flair for keeping things vibrant! Say hello to Prince Edward, a royal trailblazer who's carved his own distinctive path.

From theater curtains to military regalia, and now his royal duties, Edward's life is a tapestry of diverse adventures and experiences. Let's dive into the captivating, and sometimes unexpected, world of Edward, the new Duke of Edinburgh.

He is a theater enthusiast. Edward showed a passion for theater early on. He worked in theatrical productions during his time at Cambridge University and later served as a production assistant at a theater company.

He still performs his royal duties. Edward carried out royal duties on behalf of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. He's particularly involved with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, which his father founded. He became the new patron after his father's passing.

For a time, Edward stepped away from royal duties to pursue a career in television production with his company, Ardent Productions. However, he returned to full-time royal duties in 2002.

The prince was formerly referred to by his other title, the Earl of Wessex. He eventually inherited his father's title of Duke of Edinburgh on March 10, 2023, passing the Earl of Wessex title to his son, James.

The Next Generation Of Royals: Prince Philip's Grandchildren

Prince Philip wasn't just a royal figure and loving father, he was also a proud granddad to eight spectacular grandchildren! These inspiring individuals are making their own waves, turning heads with their commendable lives and achievements. Ready to meet these exciting next-gen royals?

Prince William, Prince of Wales, is the elder son of King Charles III and his late wife Princess Diana, Princess of Wales. He's popular for his service in the Royal Air Force Search and Rescue Force and charity projects. He is also the heir apparent as of 2023.

Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex is the younger son of King Charles III and Princess Diana. He is fifth in the line of succession to the British throne.

Lady Louise Windsor is a big fan of carriage racing like her grandfather Prince Philip. She is the elder child and only daughter born to Prince Edward, the new Duke of Edinburgh, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh in 2003.

Princess Beatrice is the elder daughter born in 1988 to Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Sarah, Duchess of York.

Princess Eugenie is the younger daughter born in 1990 to Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Sarah, Duchess of York.

James Earl of Wessex was born James Alexander Philip Theo Mountbatten-Windsor in 2007 to Prince Edward Duke of Edinburgh and Sophie Rhys-Jones.

Zara Tindall was born to Anne, Princess Royal, and Captain Mark Phillips in 1981.

Peter Phillips is the eldest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II. He was born in 1977 to Anne, Princess Royal, and Captain Mark Phillips.

Exploring the fascinating life of Prince Philip has truly been a royal treat, hasn't it? From his troubled beginnings to his journey as the Duke of Edinburgh, his life has been an adventurous tale of courage, innovation, and dedication.

It's a vivid reminder that every life, royal or not, is a beautiful tapestry of diverse experiences. Now, aren't you inspired to dive deeper into the stories of his equally remarkable children and grandchildren? Don't forget, everyone can be the hero of their own special story, just like Philip.