Journey from obscure royal
The death of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh marks the end of a chapter not just for the British royal family — but for European monarchy itself. Philip belonged to a world of interrelated royals that had ruled Europe before World War I that has been largely swept away by time, war or revolution.
Born on Corfu to the Greekdanish Prince Andrew and the English-german Princess Alice of Battenberg, he might have lived as an obscure European prince had his family not been caught up in the revolutionary politics of the post-wwi era and banished from their homeland.
Moving first to Paris and then to London, Philip was educated in England, Germany and finally at Gordonstoun School in Scotland.
In World War II he served with distinction in the Royal Navy, but it was after the war that he was projected into the royal role that defined his life. Having fallen in love with Princess Elizabeth, he married her in 1947, giving up his foreign titles when taking British nationality, and given the title Duke of Edinburgh.
Philip seemed an invigorating breath of fresh air, striding into Buckingham Palace in slacks and open-necked shirt, in a monarchy in danger of appearing stuffy and out of touch. But when Princess Elizabeth succeeded to the throne in 1952, he discovered the ambiguities and frustrations of the role of consort to the British monarch.
He threw himself into charitable, scientific, sporting and educational schemes, most notably heading the National Playing Fields Association and the Worldwide Fund for Nature. Perhaps his most lasting legacy is the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme for young people.
Philip quickly developed a reputation for what he once defined as “dentopedology — the science of opening your mouth and putting your foot in it”. His “gaffes” were typical of the clubbish humour of the officer class — though less appreciated, sometimes offensive, to other ears.
He was also capable of genuine if earthy wit, saying of his horseloving daughter Princess Anne: “If it doesn’t fart or eat hay she isn’t interested.”
It was in his family role that Philip came in for most criticism.
In particular, Prince Charles suffered from his father’s nononsense approach. It was Philip who forced Charles to end public speculation and marry Lady Diana Spencer in 1981 and, when the marriage ended in divorce, much blame was attached to the exacting way in which the Duke had brought up his eldest son.
In his later years, the Duke of Edinburgh began to step down from his public roles — he held more than 800 presidencies and patronages — including the chancellorship of universities including, fittingly, Edinburgh.
— theconversation.com