Today, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh became the oldest male member of the Royal Family in British History. Prince Philip also already held the record for longest serving consort in British history and adds today’s achievement to a list of longevity related achievements in the British Monarchy.
Prince Philip, who as created Duke of Edinburgh in 1947 by King George VI when he married the then Princess Elizabeth (now Elizabeth II) and later in 1960 created a Prince of the United Kingdom by his wife, then the Queen, has enjoyed a wonderful life as the consort of the most famous Monarch in the world.
The Duke is one of the longest lived members of the Royal Family in history, but not the longest lived. That achievement lies with Queen Elizabeth II’s aunt, Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester who lived to the age of 102, outliving the Queen’s own mother by over a year.
Prince Philip would have to live to at least the year 2023 to match Princess Alice’s longevity.
The Duke of Edinburgh, despite his advancing age, refuses to drop royal duties and has even been noted to take more on in recent years when his advisors are saying he should look to rest more. The Duke still works and now at the age of 91, turning 92 this year, it doesn’t look like he’s ready to bow out just yet, which is just as well because Her Majesty has said that Prince Philip is a beacon of strength to her in so many ways.
Prince Philip and The Queen are already the longest-wed couple in British Royal History, this year celebrating their 66th Wedding Anniversary.
The Duke of Edinburgh has risen very much to the challenge of a royal life, despite his own royal pedigree, however insignificant some regard it, he has managed to become one of the most respected members of the Royal Family in history and if nothing else, is one of the most colourful royals.
photo credit: Royal Navy Media Archive via photopin cc
Do we know who Prince Philip overtook today?
Yes, Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught & Strathearn.