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Prince Philip: a Life in Pictures of Britain's Longest-Serving Royal Consort

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Heartfelt tributes have been pouring in from all across the globe for the Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away peacefully on 9 April. From monarchs, prime ministers, and heads of state to celebrities and ordinary people, people have continued expressing their deepest condolences to the Royal Family.

A man who earned the affection of generations and inspired the lives of countless people in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth - this is how UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson described Prince Philip following the announcement of his passing on 9 April, just two months before turning 100.

Even during his lifetime the royal was praised for his extraordinary commitment and devotion to serving the public and supporting the Queen. Here is the life of Britain's longest-serving royal consort in pictures.

© AP Photo / Adrian DennisIn this Wednesday, 22 July 2020, file photo, Britain's Prince Philip arrives for a ceremony for the transfer of the Colonel-in-Chief of the Rifles from himself to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, at Windsor Castle, England.
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In this Wednesday, 22 July 2020, file photo, Britain's Prince Philip arrives for a ceremony for the transfer of the Colonel-in-Chief of the Rifles from himself to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, at Windsor Castle, England.
© AP PhotoHe was born on 28 May 1921 on the Greek island of Corfu to Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg, a great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria. The family had to flee Greece in 1922 following a coup d'etat that saw his uncle, King Constantine I overthrown. The young royal began his education in France, but then was sent to England where he was raised by his grandmother and uncle. He later studied in Germany and Scotland.
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He was born on 28 May 1921 on the Greek island of Corfu to Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg, a great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria. The family had to flee Greece in 1922 following a coup d'etat that saw his uncle, King Constantine I overthrown. The young royal began his education in France, but then was sent to England where he was raised by his grandmother and uncle. He later studied in Germany and Scotland.
© AFP 2023 / -As the Second World War loomed Philip decided on a military career. Initially, he intended to serve in the Royal Air Force, but his mother's family served in the Navy and so Philip decided to apply to the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. In 1940 he graduated from the college as the best cadet in his course.
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As the Second World War loomed Philip decided on a military career. Initially, he intended to serve in the Royal Air Force, but his mother's family served in the Navy and so Philip decided to apply to the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. In 1940 he graduated from the college as the best cadet in his course.
© AP PhotoHe served in the British armed forces during the Second World War. At 21, he became one of the youngest first lieutentants in the Royal Navy. Two of his brothers-in-law, Prince Christoph of Hesse and Berthold, Margrave of Baden, fought on the German side. Philip was involved in the battle of Crete and the battle of Cape Matapan. During the invasion of Sicily in 1943, he saved his ship, HMS Wallace, from a night bomber attack by launching a raft with smoke floats to distract the incoming bombers. Philip was present in Tokyo Bay in 1945 when Japan signed the declaration of surrender.
Prince Philip: a Life in Pictures of Britain's Longest-Serving Royal Consort - Sputnik International
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He served in the British armed forces during the Second World War. At 21, he became one of the youngest first lieutentants in the Royal Navy. Two of his brothers-in-law, Prince Christoph of Hesse and Berthold, Margrave of Baden, fought on the German side. Philip was involved in the battle of Crete and the battle of Cape Matapan. During the invasion of Sicily in 1943, he saved his ship, HMS Wallace, from a night bomber attack by launching a raft with smoke floats to distract the incoming bombers. Philip was present in Tokyo Bay in 1945 when Japan signed the declaration of surrender.
© AP PhotoHe met his future wife, who happened to be his third cousin, in 1939. According to witnesses, Philip showed off very much, the young Elizabeth fell in love with him and the two started exchanging letters. In 1946, Philip asked King George VI for his daughter's hand in marriage.
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He met his future wife, who happened to be his third cousin, in 1939. According to witnesses, Philip showed off very much, the young Elizabeth fell in love with him and the two started exchanging letters. In 1946, Philip asked King George VI for his daughter's hand in marriage.
© AP PhotoIn order to marry Elizabeth, Philip had to renounce his Greek title and become a naturalised British citizen. He adopted the surname Mountabatten from his mother's family. The day before the wedding he was made the Duke of Edinburgh. The couple married on 20 November 1947. The ceremony was recorded and broadcast by BBC radio to 200 million people around the world.
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In order to marry Elizabeth, Philip had to renounce his Greek title and become a naturalised British citizen. He adopted the surname Mountabatten from his mother's family. The day before the wedding he was made the Duke of Edinburgh. The couple married on 20 November 1947. The ceremony was recorded and broadcast by BBC radio to 200 million people around the world.
© AP PhotoOn 6 February 1952, King George VI died after suffering a coronary thrombosis. Prince Philip and Princess Elizabeth were staying in Kenya at the time of his death and Philip had to break the news to his spouse. A witness said Philip looked liked "half the world" had dropped on him.
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On 6 February 1952, King George VI died after suffering a coronary thrombosis. Prince Philip and Princess Elizabeth were staying in Kenya at the time of his death and Philip had to break the news to his spouse. A witness said Philip looked liked "half the world" had dropped on him.
© AP PhotoAfter Princess Elizabeth ascended the throne, Philip decided to give up his military career to support his wife in her royal duties. According to royal experts, had Prince Philip continued his naval career he would have risen to become the first sea lord.

In this photo, the Duke of Edinburgh controls a Blackburn military transport plane a few minutes before a fire extinguisher burst and filled the cockpit with choking fumes. The Duke managed to keep control of the plane despite the danger and then landed it perfectly 10 minutes later.
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After Princess Elizabeth ascended the throne, Philip decided to give up his military career to support his wife in her royal duties. According to royal experts, had Prince Philip continued his naval career he would have risen to become the first sea lord.

In this photo, the Duke of Edinburgh controls a Blackburn military transport plane a few minutes before a fire extinguisher burst and filled the cockpit with choking fumes. The Duke managed to keep control of the plane despite the danger and then landed it perfectly 10 minutes later.
© AP PhotoPrince Philip and the Queen had four children. Their first child, Prince Charles, was born in 1948, followed by his sister Princess Anne in 1950, Prince Andrew in 1960, and Prince Edward in 1964. Royal biographers said that at times Prince Philip was insensitive and blunt as a parent. According to Prince Charles' biographer, the relationship between Philip and his firstborn was never easy. Charles was reduced to tears in his youth after being reprimanded in public by his father.
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Prince Philip and the Queen had four children. Their first child, Prince Charles, was born in 1948, followed by his sister Princess Anne in 1950, Prince Andrew in 1960, and Prince Edward in 1964. Royal biographers said that at times Prince Philip was insensitive and blunt as a parent. According to Prince Charles' biographer, the relationship between Philip and his firstborn was never easy. Charles was reduced to tears in his youth after being reprimanded in public by his father.
© AP Photo / AnonymousAccording to royal experts, Prince Philip's strict attitude towards his children often reflected his life. In 1930, his mother Alice of Battenberg was diagnosed with schizophrenia and placed in an asylum. Philip spent his childhood away from his parents and was often alone, which made him develop self-reliance at an early age. Royal biographers claim the royal found it difficult that not everyone around him shared such strength of character.
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According to royal experts, Prince Philip's strict attitude towards his children often reflected his life. In 1930, his mother Alice of Battenberg was diagnosed with schizophrenia and placed in an asylum. Philip spent his childhood away from his parents and was often alone, which made him develop self-reliance at an early age. Royal biographers claim the royal found it difficult that not everyone around him shared such strength of character.
© AP PhotoAs a working royal he focused on helping young people. In 1956, he established an awards programme that recognises adolescents and young adults for completing a series of self-improvement exercises and is desinged to promote teamwork and respect for nature. "If you can get young people to succeed in any area of activity, that sensation of success will spread over into a lot of others", Prince Philip said commenting on the award.
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As a working royal he focused on helping young people. In 1956, he established an awards programme that recognises adolescents and young adults for completing a series of self-improvement exercises and is desinged to promote teamwork and respect for nature. "If you can get young people to succeed in any area of activity, that sensation of success will spread over into a lot of others", Prince Philip said commenting on the award.
© AP Photo / Leslie PriestHe also dedicated much of his time to raise awareness about the need to preserve wildlife and the environment. He was president of the World Wildlife Fund between 1961 and 1982 and was praised for spearheading projects to preseve forests and campaigns against overfishing in the oceans.
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He also dedicated much of his time to raise awareness about the need to preserve wildlife and the environment. He was president of the World Wildlife Fund between 1961 and 1982 and was praised for spearheading projects to preseve forests and campaigns against overfishing in the oceans.
© AP PhotoThe royal was also involved in the arts. He was president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and quite often appeared during award ceremonies. In this photo, Prince Philip is shown meeting the Beatles at the Carl Alan Awards. The royal presented the awards for outstanding performances in the ballroom and dance music world and the Beatles received two awards. One for the best beat group and the other for most outstanding vocal record for dancing for "She Loves You". It was the Beatles first meeting with the prince.
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The royal was also involved in the arts. He was president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and quite often appeared during award ceremonies. In this photo, Prince Philip is shown meeting the Beatles at the Carl Alan Awards. The royal presented the awards for outstanding performances in the ballroom and dance music world and the Beatles received two awards. One for the best beat group and the other for most outstanding vocal record for dancing for "She Loves You". It was the Beatles first meeting with the prince.
© AP PhotoOver the course of his life, Prince Philip supported almost 800 patronages in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, focusing on the education of young people, sports, and industry. According to royal experts, the Duke of Edinburgh was keen on modernising the British monarchy, but reportedly became disappointed after facing opposition from a number of the palace old guard.
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Over the course of his life, Prince Philip supported almost 800 patronages in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, focusing on the education of young people, sports, and industry. According to royal experts, the Duke of Edinburgh was keen on modernising the British monarchy, but reportedly became disappointed after facing opposition from a number of the palace old guard.
© AP Photo / Adrian DennisThe royal was famous for his reluctance to discuss private matters with anyone. In 1994, he told the BBC that he hadn't done it before and didn't plan to start in the future.
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The royal was famous for his reluctance to discuss private matters with anyone. In 1994, he told the BBC that he hadn't done it before and didn't plan to start in the future.
© AP Photo / Frank AugsteinPrince Philip was also famous for his refusal to bow to political correctness, something he was often criticised for. Some royal experts believe many of his statements, which the press branded inappropriate, were motivated by his desire to lighten the atmosphere and make people comfortable. Here are a few of Prince Philip's remarks that made headlines:

During an official visit in 1998, the Duke of Edinburgh asked a British student who had trekked in Papua, New Guinea: "You managed not to get eaten then?"

He famously asked a Scottish driving instructor in 1995: "How do you keep the natives off the booze long enough to pass the test?"

When in 2003 Prince Philip met with former President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo, he mistook his traditional African garments for pyjamas, saying: "You look like you're ready for bed".
Prince Philip: a Life in Pictures of Britain's Longest-Serving Royal Consort - Sputnik International
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Prince Philip was also famous for his refusal to bow to political correctness, something he was often criticised for. Some royal experts believe many of his statements, which the press branded inappropriate, were motivated by his desire to lighten the atmosphere and make people comfortable. Here are a few of Prince Philip's remarks that made headlines:

During an official visit in 1998, the Duke of Edinburgh asked a British student who had trekked in Papua, New Guinea: "You managed not to get eaten then?"

He famously asked a Scottish driving instructor in 1995: "How do you keep the natives off the booze long enough to pass the test?"

When in 2003 Prince Philip met with former President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo, he mistook his traditional African garments for pyjamas, saying: "You look like you're ready for bed".
© AP Photo / Dennis CookPrince Philip stepped down from royal duties in May 2017 at the age of 95. His last royal engagment was a meeting with the Royal Marines. During his career he is said to have fulfilled more than 22,000 royal engagements.
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Prince Philip stepped down from royal duties in May 2017 at the age of 95. His last royal engagment was a meeting with the Royal Marines. During his career he is said to have fulfilled more than 22,000 royal engagements.
© REUTERS / Oli Scarff/POOLIn 2020, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary. Their marriage turned out to be the longest in the history of the British monarchy.

Prince Philip: a Life in Pictures of Britain's Longest-Serving Royal Consort - Sputnik International
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In 2020, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary. Their marriage turned out to be the longest in the history of the British monarchy.

© AP Photo / Alastair GrantIn recent years, the royal was often hospitalised, but each time he refused to accept any visitors, including Her Majesty, the Queen. Royal aides revealed that the Duke of Edinburgh "abhors any kind of fuss" and wanted his spouse to "continue as normal for the rest of the family".
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In recent years, the royal was often hospitalised, but each time he refused to accept any visitors, including Her Majesty, the Queen. Royal aides revealed that the Duke of Edinburgh "abhors any kind of fuss" and wanted his spouse to "continue as normal for the rest of the family".
© AP Photo / Alastair GrantRoyal experts say his greatest achievement was his endless support for the Queen. The Duke of Edinburgh once said that his job was to make sure that the Queen can reign. The monarch described him as her "constant strength and guide".

"He is someone who doesn't take easily to compliments, but he has quite simply been my strength and stay all these years. And I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim or we shall ever know", Queen Elizabeth said in 1997 during a celebration to mark their golden wedding anniversary.
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Royal experts say his greatest achievement was his endless support for the Queen. The Duke of Edinburgh once said that his job was to make sure that the Queen can reign. The monarch described him as her "constant strength and guide".

"He is someone who doesn't take easily to compliments, but he has quite simply been my strength and stay all these years. And I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim or we shall ever know", Queen Elizabeth said in 1997 during a celebration to mark their golden wedding anniversary.
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