Prince Philip, born as Prince of Greece and Denmark, held the title of Duke of Edinburgh and served as the longest-serving consort in British monarchy history.
Accompanying Queen Elizabeth II for over seven decades, he remained a few steps behind her according to protocol. He passed away at the age of 99 on the 9th of April.
In 2017, Prince Philip retired from public life, yet continued to attend family events, drawing press attention due to periodic health concerns and notable incidents, such as a 2019 traffic accident when, at the age of 97, he was driving near his country residence in Sandringham.
Throughout his life, Philip faced health challenges, including emergency coronary surgery in 2011, exploratory abdominal surgery in 2013, and a 28-day hospitalization in 2021 for heart surgery. Despite these health issues, he maintained a strong presence in royal events and family affairs.
During World War II, Prince Philip served in the British Navy. In November 1947, he married Princess Elizabeth, who would later become Queen Elizabeth II. Over the years, he dedicated his time to charitable endeavors and environmental conservation. His commitment to these causes influenced his eldest son, Prince Charles.
Born on June 10, 1921, in Corfu, Greece, Prince Philip faced political instability in his early years, leading to the family's exile. George V facilitated their departure aboard a UK military ship when Philip was just 18 months old. The family lived in Paris on limited resources.
At the age of 25, Prince Philip sought permission from King George VI to marry Princess Elizabeth after exchanging correspondence during World War II. Their union was approved, and they married in 1947 at Westminster Abbey.
Prince Philip, who quit smoking the day before the wedding, was given the titles Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron of Greenwich. Together, they had four children: Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward.
Prince Philip maintained a close relationship with his grandsons, William and Harry, especially during the challenging times following the death of Princess Diana in 1997. He played a supportive role during Diana's funeral, encouraging both princes to walk behind her coffin and emphasizing the importance of family privacy during those difficult moments.
