The Royal Family is marking the first anniversary of the death of Prince Philip.
The Duke of Edinburgh died on April 9th 2021 at Windsor Castle at the age of 99. His death was announced, with great sorrow, by The Queen soon afterwards.
Tributes continue to pour in for the Prince who was part of the House of Windsor for over seven decades. At a recent Service of Thanksgiving for his life, at Westminster Abbey, he was widely praised for the support he gave young people taking part in his Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
Prince Philip became the longest serving consort in British history, just one of several royal records attained during his long life. However, it was his ability to shape an ill defined role to his own suiting and his passion for a wide range of causes that became his legacy.
He took on the patronage of over 800 organisations throughout his time as consort with a particular focus on the environment, industry and supporting young people. In 1954, he came up with the idea of a scheme that would encourage young people to learn new skills and reach their full potential. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme would go on to help millions of people around the world. The Duke was UK then international President of the World Wildlife Fund for Nature while his passion for green issues developed and grew throughout his public life.
That work continued in parallel with his role at his wife’s side. The Duke of Edinburgh accompanied the Queen on a wide range of tours and State Visits around the world as well as countless duties in the United Kingdom.
He retired from public life in August 2017, marching off the fore court of Buckingham Palace in the rain with a quick wave and little fuss. He spent much of his retirement at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate.
Prince Philip’s death came just weeks before he was due to mark his 100th birthday. However, in the year since, his work and contribution to royal life have been remembered frequently. And as The Queen marks her Platinum Jubilee, his long life of service to the Royal Family is being celebrated once more.
Prince Philip, June 10th 1921 – April 9th 2021.
