Prince Philip’s death this morning marked the end of an extraordinary life that saw him dedicate more than 70 years to public service.
The Duke of Edinburgh, who would have turned 100 in June, was a decorated war hero in his younger days before winning the heart of a young Queen Elizabeth and becoming the longest-serving royal consort in British history.
Now, a poignant video tribute by the Daily Mail’s Robert Hardman has revealed unseen footage of Prince Philip’s distinguished royal career.
The Duke retired from public duties in 2017 after seven decades of dedicated service and more than 22,000 engagements.
His work as royal consort saw him travel all over the UK and the world, both with the Queen and alone, and charm the public, Hollywood stars and foreign dignitaries.
As a former captain in the Royal Navy, his devotion to the armed forces was well-known. The newly-released footage shows Prince Philip looking on with pride at his final engagement as Royal Marines parade outside Buckingham Palace in 2017.
Other clips show him in his younger days, including his wedding to the Queen in 1947 with shots of crowds celebrating the big day while their vows play on a backing track.
The obituary also looks at his upbringing in Greece – from which he escaped war-torn in a cot crafted from a fruit box after his family escaped after his father was charged with high treason.
There is also footage of him serving in the Navy, as well as clips from his many engagements alongside the Queen.
We see him enjoying his time with his children, as well as with Prince William, who delivers a poignant statement about his love for his grandfather.
The touching obituary concludes with Prince Philip laughing off questions about his legacy – instead saying: ‘I’d rather other people decide my legacy.’
The touching video obituary can also be seen here: https://www.mailplus.co.uk/
The Queen and Prince Philip’s wedding, attended by an array of foreign kings and queens, captured the public imagination in the austere post-war days of November 1947
A young Prince Philip is pictured here being greeted by war time Prime Minister Winston Churchill in 1955. The Duke retired from public duties in 2017 after seven decades of dedicated service and more than 22,000 engagements
The Greek prince’s early life was marked by upheaval. As an infant (pictured), Philip was smuggled out of Greece in a fruit crate, while his father eluded execution before finding refuge for his family in Paris
He was born on the Greek Island of Corfu on June 10, 1921, to Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg
His family fled Corfu in December 1922 after his father, in the Greek army, was arrested and charged with high treason
Prince Philip’s childhood would get no easier, moving around until finally finding a place at Gordonstoun School – where he learnt many of the principles he would carry with him throughout his life
Together for more than 73 years, the Duke of Edinburgh has supported the monarch through the ups and down of her life and reign – giving up a promising career in the Navy to support the woman he loved dearly
The handsome young Duke excelled in his military career and was mentioned in despatches for his service during the Second World War. He was a midshipman aboard HMS Valiant off the southern coast of Greece when he earned his honourable citation
His work as royal consort saw him travel all over the UK and the world, both with the Queen and alone, and charm the public, Hollywood stars and foreign dignitaries
Following the end of the Second World War, Philip ended his active naval career in July 1951 and then started to focus on his work in supporting the Queen following her accession to the throne in 1952. Philip was keen on sports – with a particular love for cricket and polo. His enthusiasm for outdoor activity led him to create the Duke of Edinburgh awards
Prince Philip was devoted to his wife of more than 70 years. He affectionately called her ‘Lillibet’ – a contraction of the name Elizabeth
Prince Philip famously knelt before his wife as she was crowned Queen during her coronation ceremony in June 1953
Philip played a prominent part in various aspects of British life through his role as consort or companion to the Sovereign, accompanying the Queen on most of her Commonwealth tours and State Visits overseas as well as trips around the UK. Here he is pictured on the royal balcony with the Queen in 1953
Prince Philip and the Queen travelled the globe together, endured state visit after state visit, and thousands of engagements over the years
The Queen and Prince Philip married in the 1940s and saw together the rapid advances in modern life from man walking on the moon for the first time to the invention of the internet. The pair are seen here on a boat as they wear matching shirts
Prince Philip relinquished his roles in the military and put country first to join Her Majesty and remain steadfastly by her side through thick and thin, for some 73 years. Here he is pictured during the pair’s 1961 visit to India
Together the pair toured the Commonwealth, attracting huge and adoring crowds wherever the went. Prince Philip was always dutiful in his support
The Duke also spent much of his life involved in charities and organisations working within environmental conservation, sport, the military and engineering – with a particular interest in scientific and technological research. He had wanted to train as a fighter pilot – and later trained as a pilot (pictured) – before following in his family footsteps in joining the Navy – where he excelled
Alongside mention of his impeccable national service, tributes to the Duke also mentioned his role as a father and grandfather. Here he is walking daughter Princess Anne down the aisle in 1973
Many courtiers feel that since Philip, who used to rule his family with an iron fist, retired from public life, ‘discipline’ within the royal family has not been what it should be. Here he is wearing the traditional ostrich feather hat for the annual Order of the Thistle service in Scotland
Philip spent 65 years supporting the queen, retiring from his public role in 2017 and staying largely out of the view since.
The touching obituary concludes with Prince Philip laughing off questions about his legacy – instead saying: ‘I’d rather other people decide my legacy’