Filippo di Edimburgo, known internationally as Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was born on June 10, 1921, on the Greek island of Corfu. His life is a fascinating tapestry of royal heritage, military service, and unwavering dedication to public duty. As the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, he played a pivotal role in the British royal family for over seven decades, becoming a beloved figure in the UK and beyond. This article delves into the life of Filippo di Edimburgo, exploring his journey from Greek royalty to becoming the longest-serving consort in British history.
Early Life: A Royal Childhood in Turbulent Times
Filippo was born into the Greek and Danish royal families, the fifth child and only son of Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg. His birth took place during a turbulent period in Greek history, marked by political instability and military conflict. Just months after his birth, his family was forced into exile following the abdication of his uncle, King Constantine I of Greece, and his father’s arrest by the revolutionary government. The young Filippo was famously evacuated from Greece in a makeshift crib made from a fruit box, a symbol of the tumultuous circumstances surrounding his early life.
The family settled in France, where Filippo spent his early childhood. His upbringing was far from conventional, with his family facing financial difficulties and personal tragedies. In 1928, Filippo was sent to the United Kingdom under the care of his uncle, Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, to attend Cheam School. This marked the beginning of his deep connection with Britain, a country that would later become his home and the stage for his life’s most significant events.
Education and Early Hardships
Filippo’s adolescence was marked by a series of personal hardships. In the span of a few years, his family life unraveled; his mother was institutionalized due to schizophrenia, his four sisters married German aristocrats, and his father moved to Monte Carlo. Despite these challenges, Filippo remained resilient, continuing his education in Germany and later at Gordonstoun School in Scotland, a boarding school founded by the Jewish educator Kurt Hahn, who had fled Nazi Germany. The rigorous discipline and emphasis on character-building at Gordonstoun had a profound impact on Filippo, shaping his strong sense of duty and resilience.
In 1937, tragedy struck again when Filippo’s sister, Princess Cecilie of Greece and Denmark, died in a plane crash along with her husband and two young sons. The following year, his uncle and guardian, George Mountbatten, died of bone cancer. These losses further isolated Filippo, but they also forged a sense of independence and determination that would define his later life.
Military Career: Service During World War II
In 1939, Filippo joined the Royal Navy, beginning a distinguished military career that would see him serve with distinction during World War II. He graduated from the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, as the best cadet in his class, setting the stage for a promising naval career. During the war, Filippo saw active service in the Mediterranean and Pacific theaters, participating in key battles such as the Battle of Crete and the invasion of Sicily.
Filippo’s naval career was marked by bravery and leadership. He was mentioned in dispatches for his actions during the Battle of Cape Matapan, where he operated the searchlights that pinpointed enemy vessels. His wartime experiences not only solidified his credentials as a military officer but also earned him the respect of his peers.
Courtship and Marriage to Princess Elizabeth
Filippo’s connection with the British royal family deepened during World War II. He first met Princess Elizabeth, the future Queen, in 1939 when she was just 13 years old, and he was 18. Their relationship blossomed through letters exchanged during the war, and by the summer of 1946, Filippo proposed to Elizabeth. The engagement was officially announced in July 1947, and Filippo renounced his Greek and Danish royal titles, adopting the surname Mountbatten from his maternal grandparents. He also converted from Greek Orthodoxy to Anglicanism, further solidifying his ties to Britain.
The wedding, held on November 20, 1947, at Westminster Abbey, was a grand affair, broadcast across the world. However, the post-war austerity meant that some compromises had to be made, such as not inviting Filippo’s German relatives, given the lingering animosities from the war. Despite these challenges, the marriage was a success, marking the beginning of a partnership that would last over 73 years.
Transition to Royal Duties
Following his marriage, Filippo continued his naval career while also taking on more royal duties. The couple’s first two children, Charles and Anne, were born in 1948 and 1950, respectively. However, the sudden death of King George VI in 1952 changed the course of their lives. Elizabeth ascended to the throne as Queen Elizabeth II, and Filippo’s naval career came to an end as he assumed his new role as consort.
As the husband of the Queen, Filippo faced a unique challenge: how to carve out a role for himself in a world where the focus was firmly on his wife. He became known for his steadfast support of the Queen, accompanying her on countless state visits and official engagements. Filippo was also instrumental in modernizing the monarchy, advocating for televised royal events and helping to streamline the royal household.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Environmental Advocacy
One of Filippo’s most enduring legacies is the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a youth development program he founded in 1956. The program, which encourages young people to engage in community service, physical fitness, and outdoor activities, has become a global initiative, with millions of participants in over 140 countries. The award reflects Filippo’s belief in the importance of self-discipline, perseverance, and service to others, values he held throughout his life.
In addition to his work with young people, Filippo was a passionate advocate for environmental conservation. He served as the president of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in the UK from 1961 and later as its international president. His efforts to raise awareness about environmental issues, particularly the conservation of endangered species, made him a pioneer in the environmental movement long before it became a mainstream concern.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite his many achievements, Filippo’s public life was not without controversy. Known for his blunt and sometimes politically incorrect remarks, he occasionally found himself in hot water with the media and the public. These gaffes, however, were often viewed as part of his straightforward, no-nonsense personality, which endeared him to many but also drew criticism at times.
The most significant controversy of his later years was the speculation surrounding the death of Princess Diana in 1997. The conspiracy theories that emerged, particularly the unfounded accusations made by Mohamed Al-Fayed, father of Diana’s companion Dodi Fayed, suggested Filippo’s involvement in her death. These claims were thoroughly investigated and ultimately dismissed by the official inquiry, which found no evidence of foul play.
Retirement and Final Years
In August 2017, at the age of 96, Filippo retired from public life after completing more than 22,000 solo engagements and giving over 5,000 speeches. His retirement marked the end of a long and active public life, though he continued to be a significant figure in the royal family.
Even in retirement, Filippo remained involved in family life and continued to support the Queen behind the scenes. His attendance at major family events, such as the weddings of his grandchildren Prince William and Prince Harry, was a testament to his enduring commitment to his family and his role as patriarch.
Death and Legacy
Filippo passed away on April 9, 2021, at Windsor Castle, just two months shy of his 100th birthday. His death marked the end of an era in British history, as he had been a central figure in the royal family for over 70 years. His funeral, held at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, was a solemn and dignified affair, reflecting his military background and his deep connection to the United Kingdom.
Filippo’s legacy is multifaceted. He will be remembered for his dedication to public service, his efforts to modernize the monarchy, and his commitment to environmental conservation. His role as the Queen’s consort was one of unwavering support, and his contributions to the monarchy have left an indelible mark on the British royal family.
Historical Context and Cultural Impact
Filippo di Edimburgo’s life spanned nearly a century, a period that saw immense social, political, and technological changes. Born into a world of European monarchies, many of which have since fallen, he witnessed the transformation of the British Empire into the Commonwealth and the evolution of the monarchy in a rapidly changing society.
Filippo’s Greek and Danish royal heritage, coupled with his British citizenship, made him a unique figure in European royalty. His marriage to Queen Elizabeth II not only solidified his place in British history but also symbolized the enduring ties between European royal families.
Culturally, Filippo’s impact is evident in the way he balanced tradition with modernity. His support for the Queen and his efforts to make the monarchy more accessible to the public helped ensure its relevance in the 20th and 21st centuries. His straightforward manner and willingness to speak his mind, while sometimes controversial, also endeared him to many and made him a distinctive figure in the royal family.
In conclusion, Filippo di Edimburgo’s life was one of remarkable service, both to his country and to his family. His contributions to public life, his advocacy for environmental causes, and his role in shaping the modern British monarchy ensure that he will be remembered as one of the most significant figures in recent British history.
