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Prince Philip

Prince Philip ‘reluctant’ to mark milestone birthday

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

This year has sprung plenty of surprises but as 2020 comes to an end, we’ve been treated to perhaps the least unexpected royal revelation of them all. As the countdown begins for the Duke of Edinburgh’s 100th birthday in June 2021, it’s been reported that Prince Philip has absolutely no desire to be at the heart of a big royal celebration to mark the event.

Philip turns 100 in just over six months time but it’s now been reported he doesn’t want any fuss made over this milestone birthday. He’ll be the first senior royal male to make his centenary but not even that claim to regal fame is enough to persuade him that a major party is in order.

The Daily Telegraph is reporting that planning for the event is set to get under way in the coming weeks but a Buckingham Palace aide has revealed that ”the one person you can guarantee will not want anything to do with it, is the duke. He’s retired, he’s stepped back, he doesn’t want the fuss.”

That’s in tune with Prince Philip’s famously down to earth nature and his no nonsense approach. The paper reports that while discussions about possible celebrations will step up in the days to come, those organising events known ”we might get short shrift”.

There’s no doubt some kind of event will be held to mark the Duke of Edinburgh turning 100. Possibilities include a special exhibition at Buckingham Palace, if summer opening is able to go ahead given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. A family gathering is also expected, again if restrictions caused by the virus have changed sufficiently to allow get togethers.

But despite his own reluctance and the possible hurdles in the way of celebrations, Philip is set to receive one special royal recognition. Like every other centenarian in the UK, he will receive a telegram of congratulations from the Queen to mark his big birthday.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.