Prince Philip

Prince Philip – Life, Role & Memorable Quotes

Explore the life of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (1921-2021): his early years, royal role, personal style, legacy, and his many sharp, witty, and sometimes controversial quotes.

Introduction

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark on June 10, 1921 – died April 9, 2021) was the husband of Queen Elizabeth II and the longest-serving consort in British history.

For more than six decades, he supported Queen Elizabeth II in her reign, undertook thousands of public engagements in his own right, promoted environmental causes and youth programs, and became known for his sharp wit and outspoken remarks. His life reflects service, adaptation, and the complexities of being a royal consort in modern times.

Early Life & Family

Philip was born on Corfu, Greece, at Mon Repos, into the Greek and Danish royal families.

His early years were turbulent: political changes in Greece led to his family’s exile, and he spent parts of his youth in France, the UK, and Germany.

He was educated at schools including Gordonstoun in Scotland and the Royal Naval College at Dartmouth.

Royal Role & Public Service

Marriage & Consortship

In 1947, Philip married Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II). In preparation, he became a naturalized British subject, adopted the surname Mountbatten, and relinquished his Greek and Danish princely titles.

When Elizabeth became queen in 1952, Philip stepped back from active military service and assumed the role of royal consort.

Patronages, Interests & Innovations

Philip had wide-ranging interests and was patron, president, or member of over 780 organizations, spanning environment, science, education, industry, sport, and more.

One of his most enduring legacies is the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, founded in 1956. The program encourages young people to develop skills, take on challenges, undertake service, and pursue expedition.

He was also known for promoting conservation and environmental awareness, bridging royal duty and passion for nature.

In August 2017 he officially retired from public duties, after decades of service.

Personal Traits & Contradictions

Prince Philip was a complex figure: at times blunt, at times charming, often teasing, and always conscious of the responsibilities his role entailed. His intelligence, curiosity (especially about science and engineering), and willingness to engage publicly were notable traits.

But his style sometimes sparked controversy: his quick remarks, occasionally politically incorrect comments, and candid humor made headlines.

He valued tradition and duty but also believed in modernizing institutions within the monarchy.

Famous Quotes & Witty Remarks

Below are selected quotes attributed to Prince Philip that reflect his humor, directness, and worldview. (Some are cheeky or controversial.)

• “Constitutionally I don’t exist.”

• “If I were reincarnated I would wish to be returned to earth as a killer virus, so I could contribute something to solve overpopulation.”

• “When a man opens a car door for his wife, it’s either a new car or a new wife.”

• “A gun is no more dangerous than a cricket bat in the hands of a madman.”

• “All money nowadays seems to be produced with a natural homing instinct for the Treasury.”

• “Anyone who is concerned about his dignity would be well advised to keep away from horses.”

• “The conservation of nature, the proper use of natural resources, and the control of pollution are all part of the same problem.”

• “It is an old cliché to say that the future is in the hands of the young. This is no longer true. The quality of life … is in our hands now.”

• “On too long church sermons: The mind cannot absorb what the backside cannot endure.”

These quotes show his pattern of mixing humor, blunt observation, social commentary, and occasional irreverence.

Legacy & Impact

Prince Philip’s legacy is multifaceted:

• Supportive consort: He was deeply committed to supporting Queen Elizabeth II throughout her reign, adapting to the demands of her monarchy with steadfastness.

• Youth & education: The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award remains influential worldwide, continuing to challenge and inspire young people.

• Environmental champion: His patronage and voice elevated discussion of conservation, sustainability, and responsible stewardship.

• Institutional modernization: He pushed for the monarchy to adapt, embraced technology, science, and tried to bridge the royal tradition with contemporary expectations.

• Memorable public persona: His wit, candor, and sometimes controversial remarks kept him in the public eye—as someone unafraid to speak plainly.

Though not without criticisms, his life and words offer a lens into how a royal figure tried to reconcile tradition, duty, personality, and change across a long historic span.

Lessons & Reflections

1. Duty can coexist with personality
   Even in highly constrained roles, one can find ways to express individuality, provoke thought, and engage meaningfully.

2. Humor is a powerful tool
   Wit—when wielded carefully—can break tension, communicate ideas, and humanize authority.

3. Championship of causes adds depth
   Beyond symbolism, royal roles gain meaning when anchored to real issues—Philip’s support for environment and youth shows this.

4. Adaptation is vital
   Institutions must evolve. Philip’s efforts to modernize court practices and bring in scientific awareness reflect that adaptive mindset.

5. Speak responsibly
   Bold remarks bring attention—but also risk. Prince Philip’s style reminds us that directness must sometimes be tempered by context and empathy.