Late Prince Philip: The Best Pictures When He Was Young

Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was born on June 10, 1921, on the Greek island of Corfu. Born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, he belonged to the Greek and Danish royal families. However, his family's fortunes took a turn when political upheavals in Greece forced them into exile.

In 1928, when Philip was just seven years old, his family settled in Paris. Sadly, his mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg, suffered from mental health issues and was institutionalized, leading to a fragmented upbringing for the young prince. Philip's education took him to Germany, France, and finally, Gordonstoun School in Scotland.

During World War II, Prince Philip served in the British Royal Navy with distinction. It was during this time that he first met the then Princess Elizabeth, who was only 13 years old at the time. Their paths crossed at the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth in 1939, and the seeds of their future relationship were sown.

The real turning point in their relationship came in 1946 when Prince Philip, now a dashing naval officer, was invited to entertain King George VI and his family aboard the Royal Navy's HMS Chequers. Elizabeth, then 20, was present on that occasion, and it is said that sparks flew between the two. Over the next few years, their paths continued to intertwine, and they exchanged letters while Philip was on active duty.

In 1947, Prince Philip renounced his Greek and Danish titles, adopted the surname Mountbatten (an anglicized version of his mother's family name), and became a naturalized British subject. This paved the way for his marriage to Princess Elizabeth, who became Queen Elizabeth II in 1952 following the death of her father, King George VI.

On November 20, 1947, Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II were married at Westminster Abbey in a ceremony that brought a sense of joy and optimism to post-war Britain. Prince Philip, now the Duke of Edinburgh, became the Queen's steadfast companion and served alongside her in her royal duties for decades, embodying a sense of duty, humor, and unwavering support.

In the years following their marriage, Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II faced the challenges of adjusting to royal life while also fulfilling their duties as newlyweds and parents. Their first two children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne, were born in 1948 and 1950, respectively, adding familial joy to their lives.

During the early years of Queen Elizabeth's reign, Prince Philip took on an active role in supporting his wife. He was appointed Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps, Colonel-in-Chief of various regiments, and later, he became the first president of the newly formed World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in 1961, showcasing his commitment to environmental conservation.

The 1950s and 1960s brought significant changes to the royal family and the world at large. Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth undertook numerous international tours, strengthening diplomatic ties and fostering goodwill on behalf of the United Kingdom. Despite the demands of their public roles, the couple maintained a strong family life. They welcomed two more children, Prince Andrew in 1960 and Prince Edward in 1964, completing their family of four.

Prince Philip's wit and humor often endeared him to the public, while his direct and sometimes controversial statements reflected his independent and straightforward nature. His dynamic personality complemented Queen Elizabeth's composed and reserved demeanor, creating a balanced partnership that resonated with the changing times.