Duke Philip of Edinburgh is the husband of Queen Elizabeth, the father of the heir to the throne, Prince Charles and three other children. The born Prince of Greece has a difficult character, which does not prevent him from using the love of his family and subjects.
Childhood and youth
Philip Mountbatten is the only son of Prince Andrew of Greece and Princess Alice. Today it is considered one of the most generous representatives of European royal families. Philip is the great-great-grandson of Queen Victoria and the Russian Emperor Nicholas I, the great-grandson of the Danish King Christian IX.
The biography of the prince is extremely bizarre. He was born in 1922, a few months later the family was expelled from Greece after the overthrow of Constantine I. Having lost their fortune, their parents could not adequately support Philip and his four sisters, after 4 years the boy was sent to London, under the protection of relatives. The prince was educated in Germany and Scotland. then entered the English naval cola. As a midshipman, Philip went through the entire war, participated in battles, and has military awards.
Even in college, the prince met his distant relatives - the heiress of the English throne, Elizabeth and her sister. A spark flashed between Elizabeth and Philip, which was destined to turn into a real feeling. Correspondence ensued, and in 1946 the prince asked for the hands of the future queen and received consent.
Royal duties
The condition for the marriage was the rejection of the title and the adoption of the name Mountbatten. The groom of the crown princess was granted new titles - the Duke of Edinburgh, the Earl of Merionet and Baron of Greenwich. In 1952, Elizabeth became the queen; after 5 years, Philip received the title of Prince of the English Royal House, which is usually given by birth.
Having become the husband of the crown princess, and later the queen, the duke began to play an important role in all ceremonial and protocol events. He became the patron of many organizations, spent a lot of time on international trips, received heads of other royal houses and presidents. Philip was rightfully considered one of the most efficient and active members of the royal family.
During the marriage, four children were born: heir to the throne, Charles, the only daughter, Anna, as well as Andrew and Edward. Philip was a rather harsh and demanding father, later Charles complained that he did not have enough warmth and participation in the family.
In 2017, the Kensington Palace officially announced the departure of the Duke of Edinburgh on a condemned holiday. From now on, he does not take part in official events, but happens at private celebrations. for example, weddings of grandchildren. Despite his advanced years, the prince is in good shape, often goes on horseback rides, draws, talks with friends.
