Last week, at the age of 99, Prince Philip passed away. As the lifetime partner of Queen Elizabeth and The Duke of Edinburgh, he leaves behind a massive and important legacy. Let’s take a look back at his incredible life…
Prince Philip’s Charitable Work
Buckingham Palace announced Prince Philip‘s passing last week with an elegant, simple statement. “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” the announcement, released across all social media channels, read. “His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will be made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
In the aftermath, many around the world wanted to show their support. Instead of flowers, however, given the Prince’s charitable nature, the crown asked for donations to charity in lieu of flowers. As the Duke of Edinburgh worked with more than 800 charity organizations, as well as founded the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, a program that helps the youth all over the world, it’s no wonder so many wanted to remember him! And that was just the start of Prince Philip’s tremendous work on Earth.
Humorous Life
Many don’t know that Prince Philip cared deeply for the natural world. In fact, he actually help set up the World Wildlife Fun in 1961, alongside Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands. However, even given his serious commitments, Philip always remained the funniest member of the current British Royal Family. “Humor is a great part of British life and we thank the duke for his unique contribution,” British author David Cameron wrote in 2011.
For instance, at one of Prince Philip’s last engagements as an active member of the Royal Family, British-Lebanese mathematician Sir Michael Atiyah said: “I’m sorry to hear you’re standing down.” Always one to make fun of himself, Philip immediately quipped back, “Well, I can’t stand up much.” Still, while Prince Philip was very funny, nothing could compare to his love for his wife, Queen Elizabeth II…
Look Back At The Royal Romance
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip‘s love story is one for the ages. For those who don’t know, the pair celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in November 2020, the longest marriage in British monarch history. Believe it or not, The Queen was only 13-years-old when she fell for her future husband, the great-grandson of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Philip was just 18 at the time. However, his enlistment in the Royal Navy stopped any romance. Thankfully, as soon as the Prince returned from World War II, he asked to marry Queen Elizabeth. Their wedding, one of the largest in world history, occurred on November 20, 1947. Throughout the years, the two not only helmed arguably the most famous incarnation of the British Royal Family ever, but also had four children: Charles, Prince of Wales; Anne, Princess Royal; Prince Andrew, Duke of York; and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.
“This was something that was revolutionary, frankly,” British historian Andrew Roberts said. “He was a man who was a highly competitive person and for the whole of the rest of (his) life, he’s got to stand two or three paces behind the most famous woman in the world.” However, Prince Philip never wavered, always standing by the Queen’s side. In accordance with his wishes, the Prince will have a fully private, military funeral. Rest in peace.
Sources: CNN, LifestyleChatter, The Today Show, Yahoo!