We are delighted to celebrate the rich and fascinating life of Prince Philip, a most extraordinary man, with stamps depicting the Duke engaged in some of his many interests over the years; from joining the Royal Navy as a cadet in 1939 to becoming the longest-serving royal consort in British history.
Prince Philip was born in Corfu on 10 June 1921, the only son of Prince Andrew of Greece. His mother was Princess Alice of Battenberg and his title was Prince of Greece and Denmark. Aged just 18 months old, Prince Philip and his family had to leave Greece, as the country had become politically unstable.
Prince Philip joined the Royal Navy as a cadet in 1939, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Prince Louis, who was Admiral of the Fleet and First Sea Lord.
The Duke was on active service in the Royal Navy throughout the Second World War and was later awarded the Greek War Cross of Valour.
In July 1947 the engagement of Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten to Princess Elizabeth was announced. Four months later, on 20 November, they were married in Westminster Abbey.
The Duke was a keen sportsman and enjoyed many sporting activities including polo, carriage driving and sailing. He learned to fly all types of aircraft, and gained his RAF wings in 1953, his helicopter wings in 1956 and his private pilot's licence in 1959.
Described by the Queen as her "strength and stay", Prince Philip remained Her Majesty’s constant companion through decades of great change.
