Obituary: His Royal Highness British Prince Philip in photos

Prince Philip was successful in using his position to make a huge contribution to British life and played his part in helping the monarchy come to terms with changing social attitudes over the years.

But his greatest achievement was undoubtedly the constancy and strength of his support for the Queen in the long years of her reign.

He believed his job was, as he told his biographer, "to ensure the Queen can reign".

At a speech given at a celebration to mark the couple's golden wedding anniversary, the Queen paid tribute to her husband, the longest-serving royal consort in British history.

"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."

1961: Prince Phillip and Queen Elizabeth during their visit to Pakistan.

His mother, Princess Alice, was a great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria

Philip (seated) thrived at Gordonstoun where he enjoyed amateur dramatics

Philip had a distinguished naval career

His wedding to Princess Elizabeth was described as "a flash of colour in a grey post-war Britain"

Philip was the first to pay homage to the Queen at her coronation

He had to adapt to life as a royal consort

His insistence that Prince Charles attend Gordonstoun caused a rift between father and son

The Duke of Edinburgh threw himself into his conservation efforts with typical energy and enthusiasm

He took a keen interest in British industry

He had a particular passion for polo

Carriage driving was one of the duke's many sporting interests

He was a source of great support to Diana, Princess of Wales

The Queen referred to him as her 'strength and stay'

Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II's husband and the longest-serving consort of any British monarch passed away at age 99.

The news was announced by Buckingham Palace in a statement on Friday.

“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” the statement read adding,

It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. pic.twitter.com/XOIDQqlFPn

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 9, 2021

“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will be made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”

Prince Phillip was not feeling well for a long time and was admitted to the hospital.

In July 2020, he made his last public appearance when he transferred his ceremonial role as colonel-in-chief of The Rifles to his daughter-in-law Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

Philip retired from his public role in 2017 and spent 65 years supporting the queen. He was married to the queen for more than 70 years.

The prince married Princess Elizabeth in 1947, five years before she became Queen, and was the longest-serving royal consort in British history.

He is survived by four children, Charles, Prince of Wales; Prince Andrew, Duke of York; Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex; and Anne, Princess Royal.

The couple had eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Prince Philip was born on the Greek island of Corfu on 10 June 1921. His father was Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark, a younger son of King George I of the Hellenes. His mother, Princess Alice, was a daughter of Lord Louis Mountbatten and a great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria.

 

Pictures Courtesy: BBC World