The Basics
Born on June 10, 1921 as Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark; Prince Philip is the only son of Prince Andrew of Greece and Princess Alice of Battenburg. Philip did not spend much time in Greece and first attended school in France. In 1928 came to Cheam Prepatroy School, making England his permant home. At the age of 12 he moved on to Gordstoun School in Scotland and there he showed athletic prowess on becoming the Captain of the Hockey and Cricket teams. In 1939 he left and joined the Royal Navy as a cadet. He would continue to move up in the ranks and was even present at the surrender of Japan in 1946. By this time he was in love with Princess Elizabeth, the King's daughter, and they married on November 20, 1947 at Westminster Abbey. This was when he became a British subject and took on the last name of Mountbatten instead of Philip of Greece. The King also created him H.R.H The Duke of Edinburgh and he became a Knight of the Garter, along with Elizabeth. He and Elizabeth would have four children; Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, and Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex. Philip is very active in public organisations and since the Queen ascended the throne he has been President or Patron to over 800 organisations. He has a special interest in teenagers and in 1956 created the Award Scheme. This project supports the personal development of teenagers and since 1956 it has served over 2 million people in 50 countries. Philip can be tough at times and it is well known that he does not like Sarah Ferguson or Camilla Parker-Bowles because they break up the tradition of the family. Philip was also harsh with his sons and it is known that Princess Anne is his favorite child. Overall Philip has been an asset to the British Royal family.
