Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh Facts & Worksheets

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was the husband of Queen Elizabeth II and a central figure in the British royal family. Born into Greek and Danish royalty, he later became a naturalized British citizen. A distinguished naval officer during World War II, Prince Philip devoted decades to public service, supporting numerous charitable causes and founding the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. His steadfast support for Queen Elizabeth II marked a significant era in British history.

See the fact file below for more information about Prince Philip, or you can download our 24-page Prince Philip worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION

• Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was born on June 10, 1921, on the Greek island of Corfu. 
• His full name at birth was Prince Philippos of Greece and Denmark. 
• He was the only son of Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg. 
• His family had strong ties to European royalty, with connections to both the Greek and Danish royal families.
• In 1922, following political unrest in Greece, the royal family was forced into exile. 
• The family settled in Paris, and by 1928, Prince Philip’s parents had separated, with his mother experiencing mental health challenges and entering a sanatorium in Switzerland. 
• Young Philip was sent to various relatives and boarding schools during this tumultuous period.
• In 1934, at the age of 13, Prince Philip moved to Germany to attend Schule Schloss Salem, founded by Kurt Hahn.
• Prince Philip excelled in both sports and academics.
• In 1937, Prince Philip transferred to Gordonstoun School in Scotland, founded by Kurt Hahn, after he fled Nazi Germany. 
• Prince Philip later sent his own sons, including Charles III, to the Gordonstoun School.

MARRIAGE

• Prince Philip and Princess Elizabeth, as she was known at the time, first met in 1934 at the wedding of Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark (Philip’s cousin) to Prince George, Duke of Kent (Elizabeth’s uncle). 
• Their paths crossed again in 1939 when Elizabeth was 13, and they began exchanging letters. 
• During World War II, Philip served in the Royal Navy, and the couple’s relationship deepened through correspondence. 
• Prince Philip proposed to Princess Elizabeth in 1946, and they officially announced their engagement in July of the same year. 
• The wedding took place on November 20, 1947, at Westminster Abbey in London. 
• Because of the post-war austerity, the couple received ration coupons as wedding gifts like any other British citizen.
• Prince Philip’s marriage to Queen Elizabeth II spanned over seven decades, making it the longest royal marriage in British history. 
• His role as the Queen’s consort involved unwavering support for her and numerous public engagements alongside her. 
• The marriage endured the challenges of royal life until Prince Philip’s passing in April 2021.

CHILDREN

• Charles, Prince of Wales (born 1948) is their eldest son.
• Anne, Princess Royal (born 1950) is known for her equestrian achievements and involvement in various charitable organizations. 
• Prince Andrew, Duke of York (born 1960) is a former naval officer.
• Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex (born 1964) is involved in various charitable activities and organizations.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD SCHEME

• The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is a youth development program founded by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in collaboration with German educationalist Kurt Hahn in 1956.
• The program was officially launched in the United Kingdom in 1956 and has since expanded to numerous countries around the world.
• The main goal of the DofE Award Scheme is to encourage personal development and self-improvement among young people aged 14 to 24.
• The program consists of four main components, known as sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and Expedition. 
  • Participants engage in voluntary service and charity work to benefit their communities.
  • They are encouraged to participate in sports, dance, or other physical activities to improve their fitness.
  • Developing new skills and honing existing ones is also a major component.
  • The Expedition section involves planning and undertaking a journey in a group, fostering teamwork, outdoor skills, and resilience.
• In some countries, there is an additional fifth section called the Residential Project, which involves participants undertaking a shared activity or learning experience away from home.
• Completing the DofE Award is recognized by universities, employers, and institutions worldwide.

ROYAL CONSORT AND PUBLIC SERVICE

• Prince Philip became the consort to Queen Elizabeth II upon her accession to the throne in 1952. 
• Throughout her reign, he provided steadfast support and was by her side during numerous state functions and public engagements.
• Prince Philip was associated with numerous charitable organizations, including the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, and the Royal National Institute for the Blind.
• As a member of the royal family, Prince Philip played a role in fostering ties with Commonwealth nations. 
• He attended Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings and engaged in diplomatic and representational duties.

HONORS

• Prince Philip was appointed a Knight of the Garter, the oldest and most prestigious British order of chivalry, in 1947.
• In 1968, Prince Philip was appointed to the Order of Merit.
• Prince Philip was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1954, and he was promoted to Knight Grand Cross (GBE) in 1968.
• Prince Philip was appointed a Knight of the Thistle, another prestigious Scottish order of chivalry, in 2011.

DEATH AND LEGACY

• Prince Philip passed away on April 9, 2021. 
• He died at the age of 99 at Windsor Castle, England. 
• The official cause of death was announced as “old age.” 
• Prince Philip had experienced several health issues in the years leading up to his death.
• Prince Philip’s steadfast support of Queen Elizabeth II and his role as the longest-serving consort in British history left a lasting mark on the British monarchy.
• He is remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
• He was also instrumental in introducing changes to royal protocols, making the monarchy more accessible.

Prince Philip Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Prince Philip across 24 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Prince Philip. A distinguished naval officer during World War II, Prince Philip devoted decades to public service, supporting numerous charitable causes and founding the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. His steadfast support for Queen Elizabeth II marked a significant era in British history.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh Facts
2. The Duke’s Biography
3. Royal Family Tree
4. The Prince Once Said
5. Role Model Traits
6. Milestone After Another
7. The Beloved Queen
8. Etiquette Graphics
9. Set Facts Straight
10. Legacy Poster
11. Discover and Discuss

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where was Prince Philip born?

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was born on June 10, 1921, on the Greek island of Corfu.

What is Prince Philip’s full title?

Prince Philip’s full title was His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich.

How did Prince Philip meet Queen Elizabeth II?

Prince Philip met Queen Elizabeth II in 1934 when he was 13 years old and she was 8. They met again in 1939, and their relationship blossomed. They exchanged letters during World War II, and their engagement was officially announced in July 1947.

What role did Prince Philip play in the British royal family?

Prince Philip played a significant role as the consort of Queen Elizabeth II. He was the longest-serving consort in British history. Throughout his life, he supported the Queen in her duties, carried out numerous solo engagements, and was involved in various charitable and philanthropic activities.

When did Prince Philip pass away, and what was the reaction to his death?

Prince Philip passed away on April 9, 2021, at the age of 99. His death prompted an outpouring of condolences and tributes from around the world. He was widely respected for his dedication to public service and his contributions to various charitable causes. The funeral service, held at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, was attended by a limited number of family members and close associates due to COVID-19 restrictions.

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