A MODERN MIND

Nearly 30 million were glued to their TV screens to watch the queen’s coronation on 2 June 1953. This was mainly due to Philip’s insistence – despite fierce criticism from government officials. He was determined to modernise The Firm.

“Philip was determined that the monarchy benefit from the new vibe for change and set out to reboot the ancient institution so that it appeared more relevant to a less deferential public and remained in step with the societal revolution,” says Robert Jobson, author of the soon-to-be-released biography Prince Philip’s Century: The Extraordinary Life of the Duke of Edinburgh.