Prince Philip dies: The distinguished military career the Duke of Edinburgh gave up for the Queen

Prince Philip’s attachment to the Armed Forces predated even his 73-year marriage to his beloved wife the Queen.

The Duke of Edinburgh – who has died at the age of 99 – was highly-decorated during his distinguished military career – which he gave up in 1953 when the Queen ascended the throne.

He joined the Royal Navy in 1939 and, by 1942, had risen to the rank of First Lieutenant after bravely fighting in the Battle of Crete and the conflict at Cape Matapan.

He was decorated for bravery during his Naval service in the Mediterranean and Indian Oceans. 

These included the War Medal 1939-1945, which came with a mention in dispatches for his ‘alertness’ in helping to spot enemy ships.

Some believed he could have become First Sea Lord – the professional head of the Royal Navy.

But the Duke stepped down from his active role in the forces to fulfil his duty as the Queen’s consort.

In recognition of his long-standing connection with the Royal Navy, the Queen conferred the title of Lord High Admiral on the Duke to mark his 90th birthday in June 2011.

He proudly displayed his medals awarded for bravery in the military and service to the Queen during official events.

Prince Philip’s glittering career saw him amass a chestful of medals which he proudly displayed at numerous functions. They included decorations for bravery in the 1939-45 war. Pictured: The Duke attending a service at Westminster Abbey in 2015

After leaving school, Philip joined the Royal Navy, beginning at the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, in May 1939, and was singled out as best cadet

He moved up through the ranks to become First Lieutenant in the destroyer HMS Wallace, at the age of 21. Pictured here in 1945

The Duke of Edinburgh, who has died at the age of 99, joined the Royal Navy in 1939 – the year the Second World War broke out – when he was still a teenager. By 1942, he had risen to the rank of first lieutenant after bravely fighting in the Battle of Crete and the conflict at Cape Matapan. Left: Philip in 1946. Right: Phlip in 1945, when he was serving on HMS Valiant

While serving on HMS Whelp, the future Queen's consort was even there in Tokyo Bay to witness the historic surrender of Japanese forces in September 1945. Pictured: Philip (front row, second from left) with his fellow officers on HMS Whelp

While serving on HMS Whelp, the future Queen’s consort was even there in Tokyo Bay to witness the historic surrender of Japanese forces in September 1945. Pictured: Philip (front row, second from left) with his fellow officers on HMS Whelp

He was decorated (his medals, pictured) for bravery during his Naval service in the Mediterranean and Indian Oceans. These included the War Medal 1939-1945 , which came with a mention in dispatches for his ‘alertness’ in helping to spot enemy ships

Some believed he could have become First Sea Lord - the professional head of the Royal Navy. But the Duke stepped down from his active role in the forces to fulfil his duty as the Queen's consort (pictured together)

Some believed he could have become First Sea Lord – the professional head of the Royal Navy. But the Duke stepped down from his active role in the forces to fulfil his duty as the Queen’s consort (pictured together)

Queen's Service Order, New Zealand: On November 15, 1981, Prince Philip was awarded the Queen's Service Order by the Government of New Zealand for service to the country

Queen’s Service Order, New Zealand: On November 15, 1981, Prince Philip was awarded the Queen’s Service Order by the Government of New Zealand for service to the country

His medals – worn from left to right across his chest – were:  

Queen’s Service Order, New Zealand

On November 15, 1981, Prince Philip was awarded the Queen’s Service Order by the Government of New Zealand for service to the country.

The flower-shaped medal is the first worn on Prince Philip’s chest.

The order was established on March 13, 1975, and is used to recognise ‘valuable voluntary service to the community or meritorious and faithful services to the Crown or similar services within the public sector, whether in elected or appointed office’. 

The order replaced the Imperial Service Order in New Zealand following a 1974 review of New Zealand’s honour system.

1939-1945 Star 

This star is a campaign medal of the British Commonwealth awarded for service during the Second World War.

It was put in place on July 8, 1943, and was awarded for specific periods of military service between September 3, 1939, and either May 8, 1945, in Europe or September 2, 1945, in the far east.

Those in the Navy had to spent 180 at sea to be awarded the medal.

1939-1945 Star: This star is a campaign medal of the British Commonwealth awarded for service during the Second World War

1939-1945 Star: This star is a campaign medal of the British Commonwealth awarded for service during the Second World War

Atlantic Star 

In May 1945, Prince Philip was awarded the military campaign medal the Atlantic star.

It was for service during the Battle of the Atlantic – World War II’s longest campaign. 

Atlantic Star: In May 1945, Prince Philip was awarded the military campaign medal the Atlantic star

Africa Star: Prince Philip was awarded on July 8, 1943, for service in Africa during the Second World War

Atlantic Star (let): In May 1945, Prince Philip was awarded the military campaign medal the Atlantic star. Africa Star (right): Prince Philip was awarded on July 8, 1943, for service in Africa during the Second World War

Africa Star

Prince Philip was awarded the Africa Star on July 8, 1943, for service in Africa during the Second World War.

The medal was awarded to those who served in North Africa between June 10, 1940, and May 12, 1943. 

Burma Star (with Pacific Rosette)

In May 1945, he was awarded the Burma Star for service in the Burma Campaign in the Second World War 

The Burma Star awards British and Commonwealth forces who served in the Burma Campaign from 1941 to 1945. 

He also wore the Pacific clasp on the Star for his service in the Pacific. 

Philip was the First Lieutenant of the destroyer HMS Whelp and was present in Tokyo Bay when the Japanese signed the surrender agreement with Allied forces.

Speaking in 1995 about his time on the ship, Philip described his experience of watching the Japanese capitulate.

Burma Star (with Pacific Rosette): In May 1945, he was awarded the Burma Star for service in the Burma Campaign in the Second World War

Burma Star (with Pacific Rosette): In May 1945, he was awarded the Burma Star for service in the Burma Campaign in the Second World War

‘Being in Tokyo Bay with the surrender ceremony taking place on a battleship which was what, 200 yards away? You could see what was going on with a pair of binoculars.

‘It was a great relief. And I remember because from there we went on to Hong Kong. And the most extraordinary sensation when we sailed because we realised we didn’t have to darken ship anymore.

‘We didn’t have to close all the scuttles. We didn’t have to turn the lights out. So you suddenly… all these little things built up to suddenly feeling that life was different.

HMS Whelp then took in prisoners of war who had been held in horrendous conditions by the Japanese.

Italy Star

The Italy Star was awarded for Prince Phillip’s service in Italy and surrounding areas in the Second World War.

While serving on HMS Wallace, during the invasion of Sicily in July 1943, Philip helped to save his ship from a night bomber attack by launching a raft with smoke floats.

These distracted the bombers, allowing the ship to slip away unnoticed.

Italy Star: The Italy Star was awarded for Prince Phillip's service in Italy and surrounding areas in the Second World War

Italy Star: The Italy Star was awarded for Prince Phillip’s service in Italy and surrounding areas in the Second World War

War Medal 1939-1945, with Mention in Dispatches 

The medal was awarded to those who served in the Armed Forces or Merchant Navy for at least 28 days between 1939-45. 

The oak leaf on the ribbon denotes the Mention in Despatches which the Duke received for his ‘alertness’ in helping to spot enemy ships.

War Medal 1939-1945, with Mention in Dispatches: The medal was awarded to those who served in the Armed Forces or Merchant Navy for at least 28 days between 1939-45

War Medal 1939-1945, with Mention in Dispatches: The medal was awarded to those who served in the Armed Forces or Merchant Navy for at least 28 days between 1939-45

King George VI Coronation Medal, 1937

These medals were made to commemorate the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the current Queen Elizabeth’s parents.

Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal, 1953

A commemorative medal made to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal, 1953: A commemorative medal made to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II

King George VI Coronation Medal, 1937 These medals were made to commemorate the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the current Queen Elizabeth's parents

Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal, 1953: A commemorative medal made to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal, 1977

A commemorative medal created in 1977 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne.

Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, 2002

A commemorative medal created in 2002 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne.

Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, 2012

A commemorative medal created to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne. 

Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, 2002: A commemorative medal created in 2002 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne

Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal, 1977: A commemorative medal created in 1977 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne

Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, 2002: A commemorative medal created in 2002 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne

Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, 2012: A commemorative medal created to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne

Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, 2012: A commemorative medal created to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne

Canadian Forces Decoration (4 Bars)

This honorary award was presented to the Duke in April 2015.

New Zealand Commemoration Medal, 1990

This was awarded only during 1990 to around 3,000 people in recognition of contributions made to New Zealand life.

Malta George Cross 50th Anniversary Medal, 1992

This is a commemorative medal awarded by, or in the name of, the President of Malta.

Greek War Cross, 1950

This is awarded for heroism in wartime to both Greeks and foreign allies. The Duke earned his for his bravery in fighting the Italians when they invaded Greece in 1941.

Croix de Guerre (France) with Palm, 1948

A French military decoration to honour people who fought with the Allies against Axis nations in the Second World War. 

Greek War Cross, 1950: This is awarded for heroism in wartime to both Greeks and foreign allies. The Duke earned his for his bravery in fighting the Italians when they invaded Greece in 1941

Croix de Guerre (France) with Palm, 1948: A French military decoration to honour people who fought with the Allies against Axis nations in the Second World War

Greek War Cross, 1950 (left): This is awarded for heroism in wartime to both Greeks and foreign allies. The Duke earned his for his bravery in fighting the Italians when they invaded Greece in 1941. Croix de Guerre (France) with Palm, 1948 (right): A French military decoration to honour people who fought with the Allies against Axis nations in the Second World War

 

It wasn't just on water where Philip put his military credentials to good use ¿ he trained to be a pilot with the RAF and by the time he gave up flying in 1997, at the age of 76, he had completed 5,986 hours of time in the sky in 59 different aircraft

It wasn’t just on water where Philip put his military credentials to good use – he trained to be a pilot with the RAF and by the time he gave up flying in 1997, at the age of 76, he had completed 5,986 hours of time in the sky in 59 different aircraft

His glittering Navy career

It was after leaving Gordonstoun school that Philip joined the Royal Navy. His training began at Britannia Royal Naval College, in Dartmouth, in May 1939 – three months before Britain declared war on Nazi Germany.

The athletic and talented prince was singled out as best cadet and, after war did break out, Philip firstly served on the battleship HMS Ramillies in 1940.

The next year, in March 1941, he was serving as a searchlight control officer on the battleship HMS Valiant when he was Mentioned in Dispatches for his part in the Battle of Cape Matapan against Italian forces off the Greek coast.

British and Australian ships under the command of Admiral Cunningham decisively defeated their opponents.

Whilst just four Allied seamen were killed and only four light cruiser ships damaged, the enemy lost more than 2,000 men and five of their ships were sunk.

Philip’s role on board HMS Valiant was to pick out ships in the darkness using the ship’s spotlight.

Writing in the foreword to a 2012 book about the battle, Philip said: ‘I seem to remember that I reported I had a target in sight, and was ordered to ‘open shutter’.

It was after leaving Gordonstoun school that Philip joined the Royal Navy. His training began at Britannia Royal Naval College, in Dartmouth, in May 1939 ¿ three months before Britain declared war on Nazi Germany. Pictured: HMS Whelp, which Prince Philip served on

It was after leaving Gordonstoun school that Philip joined the Royal Navy. His training began at Britannia Royal Naval College, in Dartmouth, in May 1939 – three months before Britain declared war on Nazi Germany. Pictured: HMS Whelp, which Prince Philip served on

The then Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, prior to his marriage to Princess Elizabeth, working at his desk after returning to his Royal Navy duties at the Petty Officers Training Centre in Corsham, Wiltshire, August 1st 1947

The then Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, prior to his marriage to Princess Elizabeth, working at his desk after returning to his Royal Navy duties at the Petty Officers Training Centre in Corsham, Wiltshire, August 1st 1947

Philip (fifth from left, front row) at the Royal Navy Petty Officer's School in Corsham, Wiltshire, in 1947. Philip distinguished himself in his service in the Second World War

Philip (fifth from left, front row) at the Royal Navy Petty Officer’s School in Corsham, Wiltshire, in 1947. Philip distinguished himself in his service in the Second World War

While serving as First Lieutenant on HMS Whelp, Philip was present in Tokyo Bay when the Japanese signed the surrender agreement with Allied forces. Speaking in 1995, Philip said: ‘Being in Tokyo Bay with the surrender ceremony taking place on a battleship which was what? 200 yards away. You could see what was going on with a pair of binoculars’

‘The beam lit up a stationary cruiser, but we were so close by then that the beam only lit up half the ship.

‘At this point all hell broke loose, as all our eight 15-inch guns, plus those of the flagship and Barham’s started firing at the stationary cruiser, which disappeared in an explosion and a cloud of smoke.

‘I was then ordered to ‘train left’ and lit up another Italian cruiser, which was given the same treatment.

‘The next morning the battle fleet returned to the scene of the battle, while attempts were made to pick up survivors. This was rudely interrupted by an attack by German bombers.

‘The return to Alexandria was uneventful, and the peace and quiet was much appreciated.’

However, he added playfully: ‘All these events took place 70 years ago, and, as most elderly people have discovered, memories tend to fade’, and that witness accounts needed to be treated as ‘faction’ – a blend of fact and fiction’.

As well as being Mentioned in Dispatches by his commander Admiral Cunningham, Philip was also awarded the Greek War Cross of Valour.

Cunningham said: ‘Thanks to his alertness and appreciation of the situation, we were able to sink in five minutes two eight-inch gun Italian cruisers.’

At the age of just 21, Philip then moved up through Navy ranks to become First Lieutenant on the destroyer HMS Wallace.

He was the youngest officer in the service to have an executive job in a ship of its size.

In 1947, two years after the end of the war, Philip married the then Princess Elizabeth. They moved to Malta in 1949 and lived there for two years ¿ a period which they saw as among the happiest of their lives. Pictured: The couple during their honeymoon in Malta in 1947

In 1947, two years after the end of the war, Philip married the then Princess Elizabeth. They moved to Malta in 1949 and lived there for two years – a period which they saw as among the happiest of their lives. Pictured: The couple during their honeymoon in Malta in 1947

While in Malta, Philip was First Lieutenant on the destroyer HMS Chequers, while Princess Elizabeth was a happy naval wife and mother ¿ first to Charles in 1949 and then Anne in 1950

While in Malta, Philip was First Lieutenant on the destroyer HMS Chequers, while Princess Elizabeth was a happy naval wife and mother – first to Charles in 1949 and then Anne in 1950 

Prince Philip pictured on board HMS Magpie in the Mediterranean, in the summer of 1951, when he was in command of the ship

Prince Philip pictured on board HMS Magpie in the Mediterranean, in the summer of 1951, when he was in command of the ship

The Duke of Edinburgh and Captain John Edwin Home McBeath DSO, DSC, RN (left), pose with Queen Elizabeth for a photograph on HMS Chequers, where Philip served as First Lieutenant

The Duke of Edinburgh and Captain John Edwin Home McBeath DSO, DSC, RN (left), pose with Queen Elizabeth for a photograph on HMS Chequers, where Philip served as First Lieutenant

While serving on HMS Wallace, during the invasion of Sicily in July 1943, Philip helped to save his ship from a night bomber attack by launching a raft with smoke floats.

These distracted the bombers, allowing the ship to slip away unnoticed.

Philip was then appointed the First Lieutenant of the destroyer HMS Whelp and was present in Tokyo Bay when the Japanese signed the surrender agreement with Allied forces.

Speaking in 1995 about his time on the ship, Philip described his experience of watching the Japanese capitulate.

‘Being in Tokyo Bay with the surrender ceremony taking place on a battleship which was what, 200 yards away? You could see what was going on with a pair of binoculars.

‘It was a great relief. And I remember because from there we went on to Hong Kong. And the most extraordinary sensation when we sailed because we realised we didn’t have to darken ship anymore.

‘We didn’t have to close all the scuttles. We didn’t have to turn the lights out. So you suddenly… all these little things built up to suddenly feeling that life was different.

HMS Whelp then took in prisoners of war who had been held in horrendous conditions by the Japanese.

In the same 1995 interview, Philip described how he and his men broke down in tears at the sight of the released prisoners accepting cups of tea.

‘These people were naval people. They were emaciated. And they set down in the mess, they were suddenly in an atmosphere which they recognised, they were back in the mess.

‘And the people, our ship’s company, also recognised that they were fellow sailors. And so we gave them a cup of tea but it was an extraordinary sensation because they just sat there.

‘I mean both sides, our own and them, tears pouring down their cheeks. They just drank their tea. They really couldn’t speak. It was the most extraordinary sensation.’

Months before the Japanese surrender, Philip helped to rescue two servicemen while serving on HMS Whelp.

The men – Roy ‘Gus’ Halliday (who went on to become Vice-Admiral Halliday) and Norman Richardson – had had to ditch into the ocean after the bomber was hit.

They had been returning from bombing the Songei Gerong oil refinery in Sumatra when the disaster occurred.

Fortunately for both men, the Whelp was on hand to rescue them from the water. The young Prince introduced himself as Lieutenant Philip and neither Halliday nor Richardson at first realised who he was.

It was only later, when the men went to Philip’s cabin and saw a photo of Princess Elizabeth that they made the connection.

In 2006, Philip met with Richardson at Buckingham Palace, where Philip joked, ‘It’s you again! Well, at least you’re dry this time.’

Speaking of the rescue, Philip recalled: ‘The decision to go and pick them up was, I suppose, ultimately made by the captain.

‘It was then up to the First Lieutenant to organise whatever needed to be done. ‘It was routine. If you found somebody in the sea you go and pick them up. End of story, so to speak.’

In 1947, two years after the end of the war, Philip married the then Princess Elizabeth.

They moved to Malta in 1949 and lived there for two years – a period which they saw as among the happiest of their lives.

While in Malta, Philip was First Lieutenant on the destroyer HMS Chequers, while Princess Elizabeth was a happy naval wife and mother – first to Charles in 1949 and then Anne in 1950.

In 1950, Philip was given control of the frigate HMS Magpie after being promoted to Lieutenant-Commander. He was nicknamed ‘Dukey’ by his men.

Giving up what he loved 

But Philip’s naval career had to come to an end when Princess Elizabeth’s father King George VI died in 1952 and she became Queen.

Speaking in an unusually candid interview in 2011, Philip admitted it was hard to turn his back on a life at sea after being asked by questioner Alan Titchmarsh.

‘Well, I mean, how long is a piece of string? I don’t know how difficult it was, it was naturally disappointing,’ he said.

But Philip's naval career had to come to an end when Princess Elizabeth's father King George VI died in 1952 and she became Queen. Pictured: Philip in 1953

But Philip’s naval career had to come to an end when Princess Elizabeth’s father King George VI died in 1952 and she became Queen. Pictured: Philip in 1953

After leaving the Navy, Philip held many honorary titles, including AdmAdmiral of the Fleet and was appointed Field Marshal and Marshal of the Royal Air Force

After leaving the Navy, Philip held many honorary titles, including Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps, Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Cadet Force, Air Commodore-in-Chief of the Air Training Corps, Admiral of the Fleet and Field Marshal and Marshal of the Royal Air Force. Pictured: Philip in 1969 visiting the Queen’s Royal Hussars regiment in Dorset

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, drinks whales teeth kava while watching traditional dancing on October 30, 1982 in Suva, Fiji, during a royal tour of the South Pacific

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, drinks whales teeth kava while watching traditional dancing on October 30, 1982 in Suva, Fiji, during a royal tour of the South Pacific

‘I had just been promoted to commander and the fact was that the most interesting part of my naval career was just starting.

‘But then equally, if I stopped and thought about it, being married to the Queen, it seemed to me my first duty was to serve her in the best way I could.’

Netflix drama The Crown depicted Philip’s frustration at having to stop his military activities.

The show’s creator Peter Morgan claimed the move led to ‘all sorts of tensions’.

‘He was forced to give up his career and become, as it were, her consort. And that led to all sorts of tensions, both within himself and within the marriage…’

He added: ‘I think he was quite reasonably expecting to have a long, successful career and reach the upper echelon of the Royal Navy.

‘But then King George became sick and died at age 56. This thing happens, bang, sooner than anyone would have expected.’

Taking to the skies 

Another period of Philip’s life depicted in The Crown was his training to be a pilot, which began in November 1952.

Likely in search of some of the enjoyment and meaning which he had taken from his Navy service, Philip began training in a De Havilland Chipmunk before moving on to a North American Harvard.

Both aircraft were produced for training would-be pilots.

At a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace in May 1953, Philip was awarded his ‘wings’ by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshall Sir William Dickson.

Three years later, he gained his helicopter wings and in 1959, his private pilot’s licence.

In November 1952, likely in search of some of the enjoyment and meaning which he had taken from his Navy service, Philip began training to be a pilot. He started in a De Havilland Chipmunk before moving on to a North American Harvard. Pictured: The Duke gets out of a plane in May 1953 at White Waltham airfield

In November 1952, likely in search of some of the enjoyment and meaning which he had taken from his Navy service, Philip began training to be a pilot. He started in a De Havilland Chipmunk before moving on to a North American Harvard. Pictured: The Duke gets out of a plane in May 1953 at White Waltham airfield

At a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace in May 1953, Philip was awarded his 'wings' by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshall Sir William Dickson. Three years later, he gained his helicopter wings and in 1959, his private pilot's licence. Pictured: Philip at the controls of a Trident jet airliner in 1964

The Duke of Edinburgh at the controls of the 'Beverly' Freighter Aircraft at Blackburn Aircraft Factory in 1956

At a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace in May 1953, Philip was awarded his ‘wings’ by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshall Sir William Dickson. Three years later, he gained his helicopter wings and in 1959, his private pilot’s licence. Pictured left: Philip at the controls of a Trident jet airliner in 1964. Right: The Duke of Edinburgh at the controls of the ‘Beverly’ Freighter Aircraft at Blackburn Aircraft Factory in 1956

In March 1952, Philip piloted a jet aircraft for the first time, flying a Comet airliner from the De Havilland airfield in Hatfield, Hertfordshire

In March 1952, Philip piloted a jet aircraft for the first time, flying a Comet airliner from the De Havilland airfield in Hatfield, Hertfordshire

Philip embraced his new skill as a pilot and flew for 45 years, amassing 5,986 hours in 59 different aircraft. Pictured: Philip on the day in June 1958 that he flew a Vulcan H-bomber

Philip embraced his new skill as a pilot and flew for 45 years, amassing 5,986 hours in 59 different aircraft. Pictured: Philip on the day in June 1958 that he flew a Vulcan H-bomber

One dramatic, fictional scene in The Crown showed Philip following the 1969 moon landing flying a plane alongside a co-pilot.

Spotting the distant moon, he took the controls and flew straight towards it, much to his companion’s terror.

After eventually levelling off once more, he said, ‘we’ve also lived… just for a minute’.

Philip embraced his new skill as a pilot and flew for 45 years, amassing 5,986 hours in 59 different aircraft.

His final flight was at the age of 76, on August 11, 1997, when he flew from Carlisle to Islay.

The Prince’s desire to fly came despite the death of his sister Cecile in a plane crash when he was just 16.

Cecilie, who was eight months pregnant at the time, died along with her husband and two sons.

The Prince in uniform as a Queen's guard as his wife, the Queen, walks past and enjoys a giggle in April 2003

The Prince in uniform as a Queen’s guard as his wife, the Queen, walks past and enjoys a giggle in April 2003

Philip's love of the sea never waned, competing regularly at Cowes Regatta (above, in 1979). He was Admiral of the Royal Yacht Squadron, patron of a number of clubs and president of the Royal Yachting Association

Philip’s love of the sea never waned, competing regularly at Cowes Regatta (above, in 1979). He was Admiral of the Royal Yacht Squadron, patron of a number of clubs and president of the Royal Yachting Association

As Colonel-in-chief of the 1st Battalion Queen's own Cameron Highlanders, during his visit to the Battalion East Wretham Camp, near Thetford, Norfolk in in 1958

Philip in his naval uniform circa 1965

Philip during a visit to East Wretham Camp, near Thetford, Norfolk in 1958 (left) and in his Naval uniform around 1965 (right)

Despite the need to give up his military career, as part of his role as the husband of the monarch, Philip did hold honorary titles in all three wings of the military.

In 1952 he was appointed Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps, Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Cadet Force and Air Commodore-in-Chief of the Air Training Corps.

The next year he was promoted to Admiral of the Fleet and was appointed Field Marshal and Marshal of the Royal Air Force.

The Duke was also Colonel-in-Chief, or Colonel, of various British and overseas regiments.

Following in their father’s footsteps 

Philip’s sons – Charles, Andrew and Edward – have all followed in their father’s footsteps by spending time in the military.

Prince Edward spent three years in the Royal Marines as a University Cadet before leaving the Armed Forces after graduating.

Prince Andrew served for 22 years in the Royal Navy and saw active service as a helicopter pilot in the 1982 Falklands War.

Charles, Andrew and Edward ¿ have all followed in their father's footsteps by spending time in the military. Charles jointed the Royal Air Force in March 1971 and gained his wings after a training period which saw him complete a parachute jump

Charles's parachute jump

Philip’s sons – Charles, Andrew and Edward – have all followed in their father’s footsteps by spending time in the military. Charles jointed the Royal Air Force in March 1971 and gained his wings after a training period which saw him complete a parachute jump (right)

Prince Andrew served for 22 years in the Royal Navy and saw active service as a helicopter pilot in the 1982 Falklands War

Prince Andrew served for 22 years in the Royal Navy and saw active service as a helicopter pilot in the 1982 Falklands War

Prince Edward spent three years in the Royal Marines as a University Cadet before leaving the Armed Forces after graduating

Prince Edward spent three years in the Royal Marines as a University Cadet before leaving the Armed Forces after graduating

As for Charles, in March 1971 he joined the Royal Air Force after gaining his private pilot’s licence a year earlier.

He gained his wings just five months later after completing a parachute jump.

Prince Philip was present to watch his son receive his wings at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire.

Charles then entered the Royal Navy where he served on ships including the destroyer HMS Norfolk and the frigate HMS Minerva.

In June 1994, Prince Charles was at the controls when a Queen’s Flight jet aircraft crashed after overshooting the runway while coming into land at Islay in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides.

Three tyres burst on the £10million ‘Whisper Jet’, which also suffered damage damaging to its nose cone, landing gear and weather radar.

Fortunately, no one was injured.