Prince Philip, a Man of His Time
Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was a beloved figure in the British royal family for more than 60 years. He passed away in 2021, at the age of 99, establishing a legacy of commitment to public service, family, and country. He was respected and admired around the world for his dedication to improving the lives of others, and his life and legacy are both inspirational and timeless. This article explores the life and impact of the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, “a man of his time.”
A Brief Biography of Prince Philip
Prince Philip was born into the Greek and Danish royal families on the island of Corfu, Greece in 1921. After a tumultuous upbringing involving financial strain, the abdication of his uncle, and the exile of his family from Greece, he made the journey to England in 1930. He joined the British Royal Navy in 1940, served during the Second World War, and reached the rank of Commander before he was 26.
In 1947, he married Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, commencing a marriage that lasted 74 years. Throughout his marriage, he achieved an impressively varied list of accomplishments. Through his support as consort to the British monarch and his commitment to a countless array of causes and organisations, he helped shape the British monarchy, becoming a beloved figure in the country and around the globe.
Prince Philip’s Public Service
Prince Philip had a long-held dedication to public service, making it one of his life’s passions. He was involved with hundreds of charities and organisations and patronised many more. He chose to focus his involvement in public service in areas of particular interest to him, such as the environment, engineering, and education.
Education
Prince Philip was especially interested in encouraging education at all levels and was patron of over 60 universities and learning institutions, as well as being the President Emeritus of the British Science Association. He appeared regularly at university graduations and gave talks across university campuses. During his later years, he even gave his own lectures, offering insights into the development of science and technology.
Environment
Prince Philip was an advocate for the environment and showed his commitment to this cause through patronage of environmental organisations and other charities. He was a patron of the World Wildlife Fund and the British Trust for Ornithology, as well as an ‘honorary member’ of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature.
Engineering and Technology
Prince Philip highlighted the importance of engineering and technology to society, founding the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in 1956. This helped many young people from all backgrounds to gain confidence and boost employability by encouraging practical activities and developing personal and organisational skills. He was passionate about the importance of science and technology, and their role in tackling the world’s problems.
Prince Philip’s Lasting Legacy
Prince Philip was an influential figure in the British royal family, and the world. His legacy is firmly built on his commitment to public service and his devotion to his family and his country. He achieved a broadly varied list of accomplishments and was an inspiration to countless young people and adults, both at home and abroad.
Support For The Queen
Above all, Prince Philip was a lifelong and committed supporter of his wife, Queen Elizabeth II. He was a consistent presence at her side in the public eye and served as her consort during her reign. He was a strong voice of counsel, which was demonstrated by his statement on the day of their engagement: “I am nothing but the support for the Queen who, I hope, will soon be Queen”.
Devotion To Duty and People
The Duke of Edinburgh retired from royal engagements in 2017 after a long life of devotion to duty and people. His philanthropic achievements were founded on an ethos of service, dedication, and compassion. Many charities and organisations will continue to benefit from Prince Philip’s legacy, including the British Forces Foundation, the British Red Cross, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and the World Wide Fund for Nature, who are all grateful for his generous contributions towards global projects.
Honours And Farewells
In 1966, Prince Philip was honoured for his years of dedicated service with the Order of Merit, which is only awarded to 24 people in the UK at any given time. Additionally, a four-day period of national mourning for Prince Philip was declared following his death in 2021, and he received a palatial state funeral procession from Windsor to St. George’s Chapel, which was broadcast around the world, attended by His Royal Highness’ family, and watched live by millions.
The life of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was one of noble devotion and dedication to public service, his family, and his beloved country. He was an inspirational man of his time and will be remembered forever. His lasting legacy is sure to continue to influence the world around him. Prince Philip was a man of his time and he will be deeply missed.
