As the UK gears up for the major event, questions might come up about the Queen, her family, her reign, and many other topics relating to English royalty. One particularly important figure in Queen Elizabeth’s life was her late husband, Prince Philip, who died in spring 2021. Here’s all you might want to know about Philip ahead of the Platinum Jubilee.
Who was Queen Elizabeth’s husband?
Queen Elizabeth’s husband was Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. According to the official website of the British Royal Family, he was born in 1921 as Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, but he relinquished his titles once his engagement to Elizabeth was announced, becoming Philip Mountbatten.
How did Queen Elizabeth meet Prince Philip?
Elizabeth and Philip met at Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark and Prince George, Duke of Kent’s wedding in 1934, as stated by the official site for the Royal Family. However, the commonly reported first meeting happened in 1939. As Royal expert Christopher Warwick told Vanity Fair, the first real meeting and connection occurred when Elizabeth visited Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth—where Philip was an 18-year-old cadet—with her parents King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, also known as the Queen Mother, and her sister, Princess Margaret. Elizabeth was 13 years old at the time. Philip was told to spend time with Elizabeth and Margaret, and soon enough, Philip and Elizabeth were in frequent correspondence, forming a friendship, then a romance.
When did Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip get married?
Elizabeth and Philip were wed on November 20, 1947, at Westminster Abbey in London.
Were Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip related?
Yes, albeit distantly. According to The Independent, the couple was third cousins, as both Elizabeth and Philip were great-great-great-grandchildren of Queen Victoria. Philip is descended from Victoria and Prince Albert’s daughter, Princess Alice, while Elizabeth is descended from their son, King Edward VII. Topical Press Agency/Getty Images
Why was Queen Elizabeth’s husband not king?
One common question about Prince Philip is why he isn’t King Philip. Throughout history, wives of kings are generally given the title of queen or queen consort, but men marrying reigning queens are not given the title of king or king consort. According to Town & Country, this is because of the patriarchal aspect of the monarchy that made it so that anyone crowned king was the true ruler. In turn, husbands of queens are generally called prince or prince consort, as was the case with Philip, although, Philip wasn’t automatically given this title upon marriage to Elizabeth. In 1947, he was given the title of Duke of Edinburgh, and it wasn’t until 1957 that he was made a prince. A statement from the Palace released in February of that year stated, “The Queen has been pleased to declare her will and pleasure that His ‘Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh shall henceforth be known as His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.”
What did Prince Philip do?
At the beginning of their marriage, before Elizabeth became Queen, Philip continued his career with the Royal Navy. In 1951, as the King became more and more unhealthy, Philip and Elizabeth turned their focus to royal duties and Philip gave up his naval career, as reported by History. Philip participated in a lot of charity work and other community projects. He started the Duke of Edinburgh Award youth program, as well as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Study Conferences. Philip also had a major interest in sports, the environment, animals and education, among other causes. On the official site for the Royal Family, it states that Philip held the position of President of World Wildlife Fund, President of the Central Council of Physical Recreation, and Patron of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots, among many others. As part of his role as the husband of the Queen, Philip consistently supported Elizabeth in all of her duties, including anything from attending events and ceremonies to supporting her decisions regarding the royal family and the United Kingdom.
What did Prince Philip call Queen Elizabeth?
While some might expect to hear the general pet names like “sweetheart” or “honey,” Philip called the Queen “Cabbage,” as confirmed by Marie Claire. The nickname actually comes from a French phrase that is commonly used as a pet name: “mon petit chou,” which, when translated into English, means “my little cabbage.” WPA Pool/Getty Images
When did Prince Philip die?
On April 9, 2021, the BBC reported that Philip had passed away at Windsor Castle that morning. He was 99 years old. The official statement from the Palace said, “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband … The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
How did Prince Philip die?
While the Prince suffered from an infection and had surgery not long before his death, a death certificate obtained by The Telegraph confirmed that Philip’s cause of death was old age.
How long were Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip married before his death?
Elizabeth and Philip were wed in 1947. When Philip passed away in 2021, the couple had been married for over 73 years. Next, see the cutest photos of Queen Elizabeth II’s corgis.
