ONE year short of a century makes him the oldest living royal male in history and the longest-serving royal consort ever.
All hail Prince Philip, the man who’s been by Queen Elizabeth’s side for over 72 years of marriage, standing by as she dealt with ups and downs, births and deaths, divorces and disappointments.
And now, at the ripe old age of 99, Philip and the queen are enjoying what’s been described as one of the most special times of their long life together: spending their twilight years in quiet contentment, side by side.
The coronavirus pandemic has brought the couple – who’ve often been apart because of the monarch’s relentless duties – together at Windsor Castle.
The Duke of Edinburgh, who’d been based at Sandringham since retiring from royal duty in 2017, joined his wife at her favourite residence when the UK went into lockdown and isolation has seen them sharing their days once more.
When the day of his 99th birthday dawned, Philip celebrated in low-key style with a quiet lunch with Her Majesty at the castle. As a no-frills kind of man, it probably suited him quite well.
“Prince Philip has always disliked being fussed over,” royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams says.
“There would’ve been no special plans to mark the occasion other than the two of them lunching together. Though the duke would, one feels, appreciate some form of celebration when he turns 100 next year.”
“The royals don’t really celebrate birthdays without a nought,” royal author Robert Lacey adds.
This story is from the 25 June 2020 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 25 June 2020 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE MICHAEL'S ANGELS
The king of pop's kids are a close-knit trio who guard their privacy fiercely
BARBIES ON THE GO!
Sending their dolls 'travelling' around the country started as way to escape everyday life during the pandemic and four years later they're still going strong
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
These musician decided to pack up their lives and trek across the country - with three kids in tow!
TALES FROM THE DIRECTOR'S CHAIR
After 40 years in Tinseltown, filmmaker Ed Zwick is spilling the beans about the stars with the biggest egos in his tell-all memoir - and he doesn't regret a thing
India's national election
SOUTH Africa isn't the only country holding an election this year - America and India, among others, are also heading to the polls. Most countries hold elections every five years, and it typically takes place one day before the votes are counted.
IS YOUR BRA HARMING YOUR HEALTH?
Wearing the wrong bra size can cause more than discomfort - a poor fit can lead to bigger problems
MY STORY IS ONE OF HOPE
She was born with a rare condition that affects her muscles but it hasn't stopped Kerry from getting a degree or writing a book
DEATH FROM ABOVE
Drones, like the one used to kill seven aid workers in Gaza, are becoming common in battlefields
FINALLY I'M FREE
IT STARTED innocently enough, with a Bible study group, scripture readings and prayers in the suburbs of Centu rion.
CONJOINED IN HOLY MATRIMONY
Abby and Brittany have again sparked public interest after Abby's 2021 wedding recently made headlines
