A Man Of His Century

He’s been Queen Elizabeth’s loyal companion for more than 70 years. In this extract from a new book Prince Philip’s role as husband and family man is put under the spotlight

When he wed the princess who’d be queen nearly 70 years ago, he knew his life would forever be overshadowed by a woman who put duty before all else.

Yet Prince Philip was never going to be a pushover. A complex man, he tried to assert himself in many ways – and a new book casts fresh insight on the ways the Duke of Edinburgh stamped his will and whims on his wife and family.

Prince Philip Revealed: A Man of His Century by acclaimed royal author Ingrid Seward delves into the heart of a man who could be alternately cruel and kind, fun and formidable, louche and loyal.

Philip (99) is now living out his twilight years in genteel comfort – yet as this extract shows, there were decades when he did his damndest to make his mark.

PHILIP THE FATHER

Philip enjoyed fatherhood. He loved babies and was delighted when Princess Elizabeth became pregnant. They had both hoped for a son to secure the succession and as soon as he arrived their happiness appeared complete.

Prince Charles was born on 14 November 1948. Always matter-of-fact to the point of indifference, Philip declared that his son looked like “a plum pudding”.

Baby Charles grew into a sweet-natured but painfully shy little boy and would have an increasingly difficult relationship with his father.

The infant was cared for by a pampering retinue of nannies and nursery maids. The love of his parents, however, like his food and clothing in those austere post-war years, was severely rationed. It had to be fitted in between their official duties.

Philip was determined to make a man of his son and with this in mind organised for him to be driven three times a week to a private gym in Chelsea, London, where a small class of boys were instructed in physical training and boxing.