Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

February 1941: Commissioned as Sub-Lieutenant

On 1 February 1941, Philip was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant in the Royal Navy after completing courses at Portsmouth. He was involved in the Battle of Crete and mentioned in dispatches for service during the Battle of Cape Matapan, and was awarded the Greek War Cross.

July 1943: Saving HMS Wallace from Bomber Attack

In July 1943, during the invasion of Sicily, Philip, as second-in-command of HMS Wallace, saved his ship from a night bomber attack by launching a raft with smoke floats.

November 1947: Marriage to Elizabeth and Bestowal of Titles

In November 1947, Philip married Elizabeth, was granted the style His Royal Highness, and was created Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich.

November 1947: Appointed to the Order of the Garter

On the eve of his wedding on 19 November 1947, George VI appointed Prince Philip to the Order of the Garter.

November 1947: Bestowal of Royal Highness and Dukedom

On the morning of his wedding, 20 November 1947, Philip was made the Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich of Greenwich in the County of London. The day before, the King bestowed the style of Royal Highness on Philip.

1951: Fellow of the Royal Society

In 1951, Philip was appointed a fellow of the Royal Society.

1953: Presentation of Royal Air Force Wings

In 1953, Prince Philip was presented with Royal Air Force wings, recognizing his achievements in flying.

1956: Presentation of Helicopter Wings

In 1956, Prince Philip received helicopter wings with the Royal Navy, adding to his qualifications as a pilot.

February 1957: Title of Prince of the United Kingdom

On February 22, 1957, Elizabeth granted Philip the style and title of a Prince of the United Kingdom.

October 1957: Appointment to Queen's Privy Council for Canada

On October 14, 1957, Philip was appointed to the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, taking his Oath of Allegiance before the Queen in person at Rideau Hall.

1959: Private Pilot's Licence and Solo Flight

In 1959, Prince Philip obtained his private pilot's licence and flew solo in a Druine Turbulent, becoming the first (and only, as of April 2021) member of the royal family to fly a single-seat aircraft.

1977: Honorary Fellow of Zoological Society of London

In 1977, Philip was appointed an honorary fellow of the Zoological Society of London, having been president for two decades.

1980: World Champion in Four-in-Hand Driving

In 1980, Philip became world champion in four-in-hand driving with the British national team.

April 2009: Longest-Serving British Royal Consort

In April 2009, Prince Philip became the longest-serving British royal consort, surpassing Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, who was the wife of George III.

June 2011: Slowing Down and New Title

In June 2011, during an interview for his 90th birthday, Prince Philip announced he would slow down and reduce his duties. For his 90th birthday, the Queen gave him the title Lord High Admiral.

2012: Diamond Jubilee Speech

In 2012, during her Diamond Jubilee speech, Elizabeth referred to Philip as her "constant strength and guide."

February 2013: Oldest-Ever Male British Royal

In February 2013, Prince Philip became the oldest-ever male British royal.

2015: Appointment as Knight of the Order of Australia

In 2015, Tony Abbott's decision to appoint Prince Philip a Knight of the Order of Australia was widely criticised in the country and contributed to Abbott's ouster as Australian prime minister.

November 2017: Appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order

On their 70th wedding anniversary, 20 November 2017, Elizabeth appointed Philip Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.

April 2019: Third-Longest-Lived Member of the British Royal Family

In April 2019, Prince Philip became the third-longest-lived member of the British royal family, following Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

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.

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.