We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

Prince Philip, 99, was born into the Greek and Danish royal families but had a very different childhood to his future wife, Queen Elizabeth II, 94. Philip’s family had to flee Greece when he was still a baby and left much of their wealth behind.

Despite growing up in exile, Prince Philip was a blue blood nonetheless but underwent a seismic change ahead of his wedding to the Queen (then Princess Elizabeth) in 1947.

Philip became a naturalised British citizen before her married Elizabeth and relinquished his royal birthright.

While he was created the Duke of Edinburgh ahead of his wedding day he was no longer classed a prince.

Philip had to wait until 1957 before he was made a Prince once again by the Queen.

Constitutional expert Iain MacMarthanne explained: “Although an HRH and a royal duke at the time of the queen coming to the throne, titles given to Philip by George VI in anticipation of his marriage, Philip was not a prince.

“Previously a Prince of Greece and Denmark, he ceased to use these styles after becoming a naturalised British citizen months before his marriage.

“Only in 1957 did the Queen create her husband a Prince of the United Kingdom.”

While Prince Philip is the Queen’s consort, parliamentary law prevents him from being a king.

The law relating to succession doesn’t relate to bloodline – only gender.

The spouse of a ruling king or queen is known as a consort.

On February 22, 1957, Prince Philip was made a British Prince and the palace issued a statement which read: “The Queen has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm bearing date 22nd February, 1957, to give and grant unto His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, K.G., K.T., G.B.E., the style and titular dignity of a Prince of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Whitehall.

“The Queen has been pleased to declare her will and pleasure that His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh shall henceforth be known as His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.”

DON’T MISS

Meghan Markle left ‘frustrated and emotional’ after being scolded [INSIGHT]
Princess Anne wins fans’ hearts with these hilarious remarks [VIDEO]
The REAL person behind Meghan Markle wedding tiara row exposed [PICTURES]

Why isn’t Philip known as “Prince Consort”?

The reason Philip was never made Prince Consort is a matter of speculation.

However, according to Mr MacMarthanne it may be down to personal preference.

The expert said: Mr MacMarthanne added: “As to why Philip has never been created Prince Consort is open to speculation, most likely it is a case of choice and taste.”

The expert added: “All that is certain is that it is not a formal title, nor is it automatically assumed by the consort of a queen regnant.”

The Queen has described Prince Philip as her “strength and stay” and the couple have been based at Windsor Castle during the pandemic.

The Duke of Edinburgh stepped out for his first royal engagement in many months last week.

The Queen and Philip are due to travel to Balmoral this weekend.

Source: Read Full Article