Today, June 10, marks what would have been the 104th birthday of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
A man whose unwavering commitment to his family and the country earned him the title of one of the most memorable royals in British history.
Although born on Corfu in 1921, Philip became a quintessentially British icon: educated in Surrey, Scotland, and Dartmouth, he entered the Royal Navy in 1939 and served with distinction before embracing a life anchored in London’s stately residences and civic heart.
Post-war, he lived near Buckingham Palace, fulfilling thousands of royal duties across the city and country.
He supported the arts, conservation, and youth development. As chair of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, he championed London’s young people, encouraging resilience, adventure, and community service.
His passion for ecology led him to back the Zoological Society of London and the WWF.
Philip’s life in London blended high protocol with personal authenticity. He was a fixture at Royal Ascot and a familiar face around the Serpentine, known for candid chatter and occasional cheeky gaffes.
He and the Queen hosted state dinners at Buckingham Palace, invited guests to explore the Royal Yacht Britannia, and infused royal life with a sense of understated pride and dedication.
In private, he enjoyed his Kensington Palace quarters as a place of repose and reflection. There, amid the bustle of London, he quietly pursued hobbies—carriage driving, sailing on the Thames, and engaging with the next generation of British royalty and society.
Though he retired in 2017 after more than 22,000 engagements, his presence remains woven into London’s cultural memory.
To celebrate what would have been his 104th birthday, we have dug through the archives and found some special photos of Prince Philip and his family.
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1. Playing Polo
The Duke of Edinburgh (1921 - 2021) on horseback and playing polo on June 1st, 1960. | Getty Images
2. Royal duo in Dublin
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh arrive to attend a State Banquet in Dublin Castle on May 18, 2011 in Dublin | Getty Images
3. Two princes
Prince Harry and Prince Phillip enjoy the atmosphere during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 | Getty Images
4. The Queen and her Consort
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh visit the Solomon Islands during a tour of the South Pacific in October, 1982 | Getty Images