The queen’s most loyal subject

Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II’s consort, has decided to no longer handle solo public engagements. Here’s a brief look at the monarch’s most loyal subject as he begins retirement.

FLEEING THE COUP IN GREECE Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark was born on Corfu on June 10, 1921, to Princess Alice of Battenburg and Prince Andrew of Greece. When his uncle, King Constantine, was forced to abdicate in 1922, 18-month old Philip was evacuated on a Royal Navy ship — carried to safety in a cot made from an orange box. The family first settled in France, but his mother began to suffer mental health issues. At age 8, he travelled to England to live with his grandmother and uncle.

ROYAL NAVY CAREER Philip began his naval career at the Britannia Royal Naval SPOTTED BY COUSIN ELIZABETH

Philip first caught the attention of his 13-year-old cousin Elizabeth when she visited the naval college with her family. In 1943, INTERESTS FAR AND WIDE

The Duke of Edinburgh has long championed environmental and conservation issues, and has interests in science, engineering and industry. He was an accomplished sportsman and has been a patron, president or a member of more than 780 organizations. An accomplished sportsman, Philip played polo regularly until 1971. He earned his RAF wings in 1953, his helicopter wings in 1956 and his private pilot’s license in 1959.