Remembering Prince Philip: Lesser-Known Facts About Queen Elizabeth II’s Beloved Consort
Prince Philip’s Passing
Prince Philip, the beloved consort of Queen Elizabeth II, passed away just two months shy of his 100th birthday. The royal family announced his death on their official Instagram account, stating, “With deep sorrow, Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband. The Royal Family joins with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
Early Life and Marriage
Prince Philip and Elizabeth first met at the wedding of Princess Marina of Greece, Philip’s cousin. He was only 13 years old, but this encounter marked the beginning of their lifelong journey together. Six years later, they met again at the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, where Philip was a cadet. The young princess fell in love with the dashing naval officer, and they began exchanging letters. However, their romantic relationship became apparent to others around Elizabeth’s 17th birthday.
The royal family had other suitors in mind for Elizabeth, so the couple decided to marry in secret. Their official engagement was announced on July 9, 1947, when Elizabeth turned 21.
Sacrifices and Titles
To marry Elizabeth, Philip had to renounce his titles as Prince of Greece and Denmark, as the future British king consort could not hold foreign titles. Additionally, he had to abandon his faith and convert to Anglicanism, which automatically stripped him of his princely titles. However, after marrying Elizabeth, he was granted three new titles: Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich. Ten years later, Elizabeth bestowed upon him the title of Prince, making him a prince twice over.
Wedding Gifts and Humor
As a wedding gift, Prince Philip presented Elizabeth with a bracelet made from stones taken from his mother’s tiara. Her wedding ring was also crafted from this material, and she wore these pieces of jewelry every day of her life.
Prince Philip was known for his sense of humor, although it was often misunderstood due to its occasionally crude and absurd nature. A book of his quotes was published in Britain, and his witty remarks frequently sparked discussions online. For instance, upon seeing his newborn son Charles for the first time, Philip quipped, “Why does he look like a plum pudding?”
Record-Breaking Marriage and Final Wishes
The marriage of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II lasted an impressive 73 years, making it the longest royal marriage in British history. Additionally, Philip lived longer than any other male member of the British royal family.
Prince Philip never wanted a grand royal funeral for himself. He expressed his desire for a quiet, family-oriented farewell. According to his will, the funeral took place at St. James’s Palace Chapel in Windsor.
