How Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh—a timeline of influence.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was the husband of Queen Elizabeth II and the longest-serving royal consort in British history, from 1952 until his death in 2021. His life was dedicated to supporting the Queen and the monarchy. He had a distinguished naval career and was known for his outspoken nature and commitment to various charitable causes, particularly those related to the environment, sports, and youth development, such as The Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1952: Start of Solo Engagements

Since 1952, Prince Philip had completed 22,219 solo engagements, marking the beginning of his extensive individual contributions to royal duties.

August 2017: Retirement from Royal Duties

On 2 August 2017, at the age of 96, Prince Philip retired from royal duties, marking the occasion with a final solo public engagement with the Royal Marines. Since 1952, he had completed 22,219 solo engagements.

April 2021: Legacy as Solo Aircraft Pilot

As of April 2021, Prince Philip remained the only member of the royal family to have flown a single-seat aircraft, achieving this in 1959.

April 2021: Funeral Arrangements

Following Prince Philip's death in April 2021, Operation Forth Bridge, the plan for announcing his death and organizing his funeral, was commenced. Due to COVID-19 pandemic regulations, the funeral took place on April 17, 2021, at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, with limited mourners. He was temporarily interred in the Royal Vault.

April 2021: Death of Prince Philip

On the morning of April 9, 2021, Prince Philip died peacefully of "old age" at Windsor Castle, at the age of 99. He was the longest-serving royal consort in world history.

June 2021: Royal Collection Trust Exhibition: Prince Philip: A Celebration

In June 2021, to mark the centenary of Prince Philip's birth, the Royal Collection Trust held an exhibition at Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The exhibition, titled 'Prince Philip: A Celebration,' showcased around 150 personal items related to him.

July 2021: Sealing of Philip's Will

In July 2021, a High Court ruling ordered that Prince Philip's last will and testament would be sealed for at least 90 years to protect the Queen's "dignity and standing". A private hearing was held, after which the President of the Family Division made the order.

September 2021: RNLI names lifeboat 'Duke of Edinburgh'

In September 2021, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) honoured Prince Philip by naming their new state-of-the-art lifeboat 'Duke of Edinburgh'. In September 2021, BBC One broadcast 'Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers', a documentary initially planned for his centenary.

2021: Death of Prince Philip

In 2021, Prince Philip died, marking the end of the longest marriage of any British monarch, lasting over 73 years.

January 2022: The Guardian Challenges Judge's Decision

In January 2022, The Guardian challenged the judge's decision to exclude the press from the hearing regarding the sealing of Prince Philip's will, arguing for less restrictive measures for open justice, and was granted leave to appeal.

March 2022: Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey

On March 29, 2022, a service of thanksgiving for Prince Philip's life took place at Westminster Abbey, attended by Queen Elizabeth, foreign royalty, and politicians.

July 2022: Court of Appeal Dismisses The Guardian's Arguments

In July 2022, the Court of Appeal dismissed The Guardian's arguments regarding the exclusion of the press from the hearing about sealing Prince Philip's will, stating that informing the press would have risked a "media storm".

September 2022: Interment with Queen Elizabeth

Following her death on September 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth was interred with Prince Philip in the King George VI Memorial Chapel at St. George's on the evening of September 19 after her state funeral.