Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was born on June 10, 1921 in Corfu, Greece. He was the only son of Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg. Philip's family was exiled from Greece when he was just a baby, and they settled in Paris, where he spent his early childhood.
At the age of seven, Philip was sent to England to live with his maternal grandmother and attend school. He later moved to Germany to continue his education, studying at the Schule Schloss Salem. However, with the rise of Nazi Germany, Philip's family had to flee once again, and he returned to England, where he enrolled at Gordonstoun School in Scotland.
At the age of eighteen, Philip joined the Royal Navy and served during World War II. He was mentioned in dispatches for his service in the Mediterranean and Pacific fleets. It was during this time that he first met Princess Elizabeth, his third cousin, through a mutual friend. The two began corresponding, and their relationship blossomed into a romance.
Philip and Elizabeth were married on November 20, 1947, at Westminster Abbey. Together, they had four children: Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward. Philip dedicated himself to supporting his wife in her royal duties, while also pursuing his own interests and passions.
Prince Philip was known for his dedication to public service and his support of various charities and organizations. He served as President or Patron of over 780 organizations throughout his life, with a particular focus on youth development, conservation, and the environment.
He was also a keen sportsman and participated in various equestrian and carriage driving events. As Chairman of the Coronation Commission, he made history as the first member of the royal family to fly in a helicopter, showcasing his adventurous spirit.
Prince Philip will be remembered for his unwavering support of Queen Elizabeth II and his dedication to public service. He was the longest-serving and oldest spouse of a reigning British monarch, a title he held with grace and dignity.
His son, Prince Charles, succeeded Queen Elizabeth II as King Charles III in 2023, continuing the royal lineage that Prince Philip had been a part of for over seven decades.