Prince Philip Young: Photos of the Late Royal Over the Years

There’s a lot that can be said about Prince Philip. Not only did the late royal share one of the most iconic romances in royal history with his wife of more than 70 years, Queen Elizabeth, but he also accomplished a lot throughout his incredible 99 years of life.

Although it seems like just yesterday, the royal icon first became a member of the British royal family after he married Elizabeth back in 1947. Interestingly enough, Philip was born into the Greek and Danish royal families, but was exiled from the country when he was just an infant.

After receiving permission from King George VI, the handsome hunk dropped his name and adopted the surname Mountbatten from his maternal grandparents. Prior to the legendary royal wedding, Philip was given the title of Duke of Edinburgh. It wasn’t until 1957 that he officially became a Prince of the United Kingdom.

Throughout his years as a member of the royal family, Philip dedicated much of his time to raising awareness around efforts close to his heart, including conservation, sport, the military and engineering. He also founded the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in 1956, and Philip’s devotion to improving these efforts has been quite inspiring.

“His passion for the industry has been seen in countless visits to research laboratories, coal mines, factories and engineering works, with the aim of contributing to the improvement of British industrial life,” his official biography states. “On an international scale, he has sponsored six conferences on the human problems of industrial communities within the Commonwealth, in his capacity as Patron of The Work Foundation.”

However, Philip took a step back from his royal duties in May 2018. At the time, Buckingham Palace announced Philip would be retiring from all his public duties later that year. According to the palace, he started cutting off invitations to royal events in September 2018, “although he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time.”

“His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has decided that he will no longer carry out public engagements from the autumn of this year. In taking this decision, The Duke has the full support of The Queen,” the statement continued. “Prince Philip will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August, both individually and accompanying The Queen.”

Sadly, Philip died at age 99 after years of health issues. The royal family announced the news in an official statement on April 9. “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” the statement read. “His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.”

Philip’s cause of death has yet to be revealed, and the family noted “further announcements will be made in due course,” including his service arrangements.

Scroll through the gallery below to see pics of Philip throughout the years.

1949

In September 1949, the Duke of Edinburgh played captain for a team of cricketers called the Duke Of Edinburgh XI, against Hampshiree. The match was in support of the Silver Jubilee Fund of the National Playing Fields Association — which the duke was president of at the time. Philip’s grandson, Prince William, is the current president.

1964

The loving royal parents and two of their kids, Andrew and Edward, were all smiles as they waved to the crowds of people from the balcony at Buckingham Palace during the Trooping of the Colour in 1964. The royal family most recently just celebrated the queen’s annual birthday parade on Saturday, June 8.

2021

Just weeks before his death, Philip was photographed as he was released from King Edward VII Hospital in London, England, on March 16. The duke was first hospitalized on February 16 as a “precautionary measure,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement, but he was transferred to St Bartholomew’s where he underwent “a successful procedure for a preexisting condition.”

Following his surgery, as well as “treatment for an infection,” Philip returned to King Edward VII Hospital where he was later discharged. “His Royal Highness wishes to thank all the medical staff who looked after him… and everyone who has sent their good wishes,” a statement read. Sadly, he died less than a month later.

We’re sending our thoughts to Elizabeth and Philip’s loved ones during this heartbreaking time.