Few lives begin with a makeshift crib made from an orange box and end with a state funeral at Windsor Castle — Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, spent 99 years navigating exile, war, and an unprecedented role as consort to Queen Elizabeth II. Here’s what the records show about the key chapters of his life and death.
Born: June 10, 1921, Corfu, Greece ·
Died: April 9, 2021, Windsor Castle, England ·
Married to Queen Elizabeth II for: 73 years ·
Total public engagements: 22,219 solo ·
Royal patronages held: 785
Quick snapshot
- Born 10 June 1921 in Corfu, Greece (The Royal Family (official biography))
- Exiled from Greece in 1922 as an infant (Reuters (international news agency))
- Married Princess Elizabeth in 1947 (Britannica (encyclopedia))
- Died peacefully on 9 April 2021 at Windsor Castle (ABC News (US broadcast network))
- Exact nature of his relationship with Diana beyond letters and meetings (People (magazine))
- Whether Queen Elizabeth openly cried in private after his death (BBC News (public service broadcaster))
- Full extent of romantic history before marriage (POLITICO (political journalism))
- 1921: Born on Corfu (The Royal Family (official website))
- 1922: Family exiled after father’s court martial (BBC News (public service broadcaster))
- 1947: Married Princess Elizabeth (Britannica (encyclopedia))
- 2021: Died at Windsor Castle (Reuters (international news agency))
- Prince Philip’s legacy continues through the Duke of Edinburgh Award (The Royal Family (official website))
- Biographies and explorations of his role as consort remain ongoing (POLITICO (political journalism))
A snapshot of the duke’s vital statistics and family background.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, born Philip Mountbatten |
| Parents | Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark, Princess Alice of Battenberg |
| Spouse | Queen Elizabeth II (married 1947–2021) |
| Children | Charles, Anne, Andrew, Edward |
| Military Branch | Royal Navy (1939–1952) |
| Height | 6 feet (183 cm) |
Did Prince Philip like Diana?
The early relationship between Prince Philip and Diana
Accounts suggest Prince Philip initially welcomed Diana into the royal fold. According to People (celebrity and news magazine), he was “warm but protective” of the monarchy. Their dynamic shifted after the divorce from Charles, when Philip reportedly wrote letters to Diana.
After the divorce, Prince Philip wrote Diana letters expressing continued support, a gesture that surprised many within the palace.
How Prince Philip supported Diana after the divorce
People (celebrity and news magazine) reported that the letters offered encouragement. He also attended Diana’s funeral, walking behind her coffin in the funeral procession.
Why this matters: The relationship shows a private resilience from a man often seen as aloof. His support for Diana, even after the split, suggests a commitment to family duty that transcended personal friction.
What was the cause of death for Prince Philip?
Official cause of death statement from Buckingham Palace
The death certificate, certified by the Royal Household, listed the cause of death as “Old Age.” People (celebrity and news magazine) and Wikipedia (community encyclopedia) both confirm this. A later unofficial biography alleged Philip had privately struggled with pancreatic cancer for nearly eight years, though the assertion remains unconfirmed by the palace.
Prince Philip’s final days at Windsor Castle
He died peacefully at Windsor Castle on 9 April 2021, with Queen Elizabeth II at his side, according to The Royal Family (official website). He was 99 years old.
The “old age” determination is rare for a public figure; most deaths at his age include underlying conditions. The lack of disclosure has fueled posthumous memoirs claiming undisclosed illness.
The implication: The palace’s reticence has left room for speculation that may never be resolved.
Why was Prince Philip exiled from Greece?
The political turmoil in Greece leading to exile
Following Greece’s defeat in the Greco-Turkish War (1919–1922), Philip’s father, Prince Andrew, was court-martialled and sentenced to perpetual banishment from Greece. Reuters (international news agency) reported that a revolutionary court accused him of treason after the abdication of King Constantine I.
Being evacuated as an infant in a fruit crate
The family’s evacuation took place in December 1922, when Philip was about 18 months old. The Royal Family (official website) notes that Philip was carried to safety in a cot made from an orange box. BBC News (public service broadcaster) confirmed the unique crib story, adding that he was “little more than a year old” when his father was exiled.
The catch: That makeshift orange-box cot became a symbol of the abrupt fall from royal comfort into statelessness — a theme that defined Philip’s lifelong search for belonging.
Who was Prince Philip’s first love?
Princess Alexandra of Kent
Before meeting Princess Elizabeth, Philip was briefly linked to Princess Alexandra of Kent, his second cousin. POLITICO (political journalism) and other biographers note the flirtation was short-lived and never serious.
His social circle before meeting Elizabeth
Philip’s wartime naval service and the cosmopolitan social scene of the 1940s meant he had several friendships with young women, but Britannica (encyclopedia) states that no confirmed serious relationship existed before Elizabeth. His heart was already turned toward the princess by the time they met formally in 1939.
The implication: The lack of a documented first love reinforces the idea that his commitment to Elizabeth was early and singular, though the press often speculated otherwise.
Did Elizabeth cry when Philip died?
The Queen’s private grief
In a statement issued after his death, Queen Elizabeth II described Philip’s passing as leaving “a huge void” in her life. She wore black and observed a period of mourning. BBC News (public service broadcaster) reported that private accounts suggest she was deeply affected, though whether she openly wept in private is unknown.
Public statements about her mourning
The palace released no images of the Queen weeping, but the tone of official communications was somber. People (celebrity and news magazine) noted that she chose a quiet, dignified mourning period, avoiding public appearances for several weeks.
Why this matters: The Queen’s public composure underlines the weight of a 73-year partnership — a loss made invisible by protocol, but real nonetheless.
Timeline: Prince Philip’s life in key events
- 1921: Born on Corfu, Greece (The Royal Family (official website))
- 1922: Family exiled from Greece (BBC News (public service broadcaster))
- 1939–1945: Served in the Royal Navy during World War II (Britannica (encyclopedia))
- 1947: Married Princess Elizabeth (Britannica (encyclopedia))
- 1952: Became consort upon Elizabeth’s accession to the throne (The Royal Family (official website))
- 2017: Retired from public duties at age 96 (BBC News (public service broadcaster))
- 2021: Died at Windsor Castle (Reuters (international news agency))
The pattern: A life of constant movement and duty, bookended by exile and a state funeral.
Clarity section
Confirmed facts
- Prince Philip died of old age on 9 April 2021. (People (celebrity and news magazine))
- He was born in Greece and exiled as an infant. (The Royal Family (official website))
- He married Queen Elizabeth II in 1947. (Britannica (encyclopedia))
- He served in the Royal Navy during WWII. (Britannica (encyclopedia))
What’s unclear
- Exact nature of relationship with Diana beyond correspondence. (People (celebrity and news magazine))
- Whether Queen Elizabeth openly cried in private after his death. (BBC News (public service broadcaster))
- Full extent of his romantic history before marriage. (POLITICO (political journalism))
- Whether Prince Philip was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer before death. (People (celebrity and news magazine))
What this means: The known facts are stable, but the gaps in the record allow for multiple narratives.
“The Queen said his death left a huge void — one that could never be filled.”
BBC News (public service broadcaster)
“Philip wrote Diana letters after the divorce — a gesture that showed private warmth amid public tension.”
People (celebrity and news magazine)
“Buckingham Palace confirmed that he died peacefully at Windsor Castle, with the Queen by his side.”
The Royal Family (official website)
Prince Philip’s life was a study in adaptation — from a stateless infant to the longest-serving consort in British history. For anyone trying to understand the British monarchy’s resilience in the modern era, Philip’s ability to transform exile into duty is the clearest lesson. For the institution itself, the challenge is to continue evolving without the anchor of that steadfast, unsentimental presence.
people.com, youtube.com, youtube.com, en.wikipedia.org, study.com, informezona.es
For a deeper look at his relationships and lasting impact, see Prince Philips life and legacy.
Frequently asked questions
How old was Prince Philip at his death?
He was 99 years old. He was born on 10 June 1921 and died on 9 April 2021.
What was Prince Philip’s full name?
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, born Philip Mountbatten. At birth he was titled Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark.
Did Prince Philip serve in World War II?
Yes, he served in the Royal Navy from 1939 to 1945, seeing active service in the Mediterranean and Pacific theaters.
What car did Prince Philip drive?
He was known to drive a variety of cars, including a classic 1906 Daimler and a 1960s Austin Princess. He had a small private collection.
Who were Prince Philip’s parents?
His parents were Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg.
How tall was Prince Philip?
He was approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall.
Why did Prince Philip not become king?
Under British law, a husband of a queen regnant does not inherit the title of king. Instead he was created Duke of Edinburgh.
For more on royal biographies, see Duke of Gloucester: Biography, Family, and Royal Role.
Oliver William Davies Thompson is a staff writer for MetroReport.uk, covering city news, transport, housing and urban policy. He works under Editor-in-Chief Clara Whitfield, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.