The Untold Truth About Prince Philip: Queen Elizabeth II’s Loyal Partner, War Hero, and the Man Behind the Throne

While Queen Elizabeth II is recognized across the globe, she remains a remarkably private figure. Yet, there was one person with whom she could truly be herself: her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Their partnership, which began when Elizabeth was just a teenager and lasted until Philip’s death at age 99 in April 2021, was a love story that defied royal traditions and weathered the storms of public life.

A Royal Love Match

In 1947, at a time when arranged marriages were still common among royals, Elizabeth and Philip’s union was seen as a genuine love match. Elizabeth fell for Philip as a teenager, and their wedding, attended by 2,000 guests and broadcast around the world, captivated millions. Over the decades, the couple welcomed four children and supported each other through personal and national challenges, remaining united even as the royal family faced divorces and scandals.

The Power Behind the Throne

Though Queen Elizabeth was the face of the monarchy, Philip was her unwavering support behind the scenes. Royal biographer Gyles Brandreth described him as “the power behind the throne — shrewd, steadfast, never-failingly supportive.” He was the Queen’s confidant, her “strength and stay,” as she herself once said.

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A Life of Sacrifice and Service

Philip’s role as consort required immense personal sacrifice. When Elizabeth became queen in 1952, Philip had to give up his promising naval career and even walk a few steps behind his wife in public. He also renounced his Greek and Danish titles, adopted the surname Mountbatten, and became a British citizen—all for love and duty.

Despite these sacrifices, Philip made significant contributions of his own. He was the longest-serving consort in British history, supporting the Queen for more than seven decades. He also helped create the sport of carriage driving, turning his passion for horses into an internationally recognized competition.

A War Hero and Adventurer

Before his royal duties, Philip distinguished himself as a war hero in World War II. His quick thinking and bravery on the HMS Valiant and HMS Wallace saved lives and earned him medals and respect. He witnessed the end of World War II firsthand, standing just 200 yards from the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay—a moment he described as deeply moving.

A Childhood Marked by Hardship

Prince Philip’s early life was far from privileged. As a baby, he was smuggled out of Greece in a fruit crate after his family was exiled. His childhood was marked by upheaval: his mother, Princess Alice, battled mental illness and founded a sisterhood of nuns, while his father lived apart in France. Philip learned resilience early, famously saying, “The family broke up. I just had to get on with it. You do. One does.”

Breaking Barriers for Love

To marry Elizabeth, Philip converted from Greek Orthodoxy to Anglicanism, overcoming initial resistance from Elizabeth’s father. He gave up smoking, his career, and his royal titles, but gained a lifelong partner and a place in history.

Family, Legacy, and the Man Within

Despite his dedication, Philip sometimes struggled with the constraints of royal life. He was deeply hurt that his children could not bear his surname, Mountbatten, instead of Windsor—a decision that left him feeling sidelined. Yet, he remained a devoted husband and father, and his sense of humor and rebellious spirit made him beloved by royal staff and family alike.

Philip also had unique interests, such as a fascination with UFOs, and was known for his wit and candor. While his four sisters were not invited to his wedding due to post-war sensitivities, his mother, Princess Alice, was honored for her bravery during World War II, sheltering a Jewish family from the Nazis.

Enduring Love and Final Years

In his later years, Philip retired to Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate but kept in daily contact with the Queen. Even in retirement, he remained active, pursuing painting and reading. Their bond endured, strengthened by decades of shared history and mutual respect.

When Prince Philip passed away in 2021, the world mourned not just a royal consort, but a remarkable man whose life was defined by service, sacrifice, and an unbreakable partnership with the Queen. Their love story, marked by devotion and resilience, remains one of the most enduring in royal history—a testament to the power of love and loyalty behind the crown.