The Royal Family > HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

Formal portrait of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
© Mark Lawrence, 2 Digital

Through his active support of a wide range of charities, and his own initiatives for young people, The Duke of Edinburgh has played a major role nationally and internationally.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth and Baron Greenwich, has been married to The Queen since 1947.

He was born Prince of Greece and Denmark in Corfu in 1921, but renounced his Royal title when he became a naturalised British subject in 1947.

Having joined the Royal Navy in 1939, Prince Philip saw active service throughout the Second World War, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. He was present in Tokyo harbour when Japan surrendered.

After Princess Elizabeth became Queen, Prince Philip gave up his naval career to support The Queen in her duties. The Duke of Edinburgh has no constitutional role other than as a Privy Counsellor, and sees no State papers.

But through his active support of a wide range of charities, and through his own initiatives for young people, The Duke of Edinburgh has played a major role both nationally and internationally.

Like The Queen, Prince Philip is a great-great-grandchild of Queen Victoria. The Queen and Prince Philip are also related through his father’s side. His paternal grandfather, King George I of Greece, was Queen Alexandra’s brother.