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Prince Philip and the Queen have spent a lot of time together of late, having isolated together in Windsor Castle during lockdown. Now they are holidaying together in Balmoral, said to be one of the Queen’s favourite places to be.

Prince Philip and the Queen are one of the most iconic royal couples, having been married for 73 years come November.

Philip retired from royal life and duties in 2017, after undertaking a staggering 22,219 solo engagements during his career.

He supported the Queen in countless royal duties, at numerous royal events at home and abroad.

The Queen once called him her “strength and stay” on their Golden Wedding Anniversary, saying in her speech in 1997: “I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know.”

Read More: Queen heartbreak: The TRUTH behind Prince Philip’s secluded retirement

However Philip had to sacrifice a lot before marrying the Queen, giving up a life he’d previously had – bidding farewell to titles, his habit of smoking and his career in the royal navy.

The engagement of Prince Philip and then Princess Elizabeth was announced on July 9, 1947, however they had become engaged secretly the year before.

Before getting married, Philip had to give up his titles and his place in line of succession to the Greek throne.

Philip has been the Prince of Greece and Denmark, but gave up his titles in order to marry Elizabeth, then heir to the British throne.

He also became a naturalised British subject, and adopted his maternal grandparents’ surname Mountbatten.

Before marrying then Princess Elizabeth, Philip was also confirmed into the Church of England.

In another touching tribute to his wife-to-be, his wedding day was also the day he quit smoking.

Elizabeth’s father was an avid smoker, something which she is said to have disliked and so Philip gave up for his new wife.

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Prince Philip’s lack of titles did not last long however, as on his wedding day – November 20, 1947 – King George VI granted him the titles of Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth and Baron Greenwich.

Philip also gave up his career in the Navy, as Elizabeth ascended the throne a lot sooner than had been anticipated.

King George VI died in February 6, 1952 and Elizabeth as the heir took on her royal responsibility aged just 27.

Philip admitted of his naval career: “I thought I was going to have a career in the Navy, but it became obvious there was no hope…

“There was no choice. It just happened. You have to make compromises.

“That’s life. I accepted it. I tried to make the best of it.”

However the sacrifices Philip made paid off, as then Princess Elizabeth once said they: “behave as though we had belonged to each other for years! Philip is an angel.”

The couple now live apart, with the Queen said to have wanted Philip to move away from the hustle and bustle of royal life in London for his retirement.

Philip usually stays at Wood Farm, a cottage on the Sandringham Estate, where he spends his retirement painting, reading and riding his horse and carriage around the grounds.

A courtier explained: “The Queen feels the Duke has earned a proper retirement.

“She knows him too well — if he was still at the centre of royal life he’d feel he had to be involved.

“Being at Wood Farm means he’s not too far away, but far enough to be able to relax.”

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