The royal family, examining the final years of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, as revealed by their children, King Charles, Princess Anne, and Prince Andrew. This story offers insight into one of history’s most iconic couples and their unexpected decision to live apart in later years.
For decades, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were seen as a unified symbol of the monarchy. However, in his later years, Prince Philip chose to live independently from the Queen, a choice that left many wondering about the couple’s personal dynamics. Their children recently shared new details about this decision, shedding light on an unusual chapter in their relationship and the sacrifices that royal life demanded.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s love story began in 1934 when they met at the wedding of Philip’s cousin, Princess Marina of Greece, and Elizabeth’s uncle, the Duke of Kent. Years later, Elizabeth, then only 13, was captivated by Philip, who displayed a playful and confident demeanor during a visit to the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth. Despite their differences—Philip, an exiled Greek and Danish noble raised outside royal circles, and Elizabeth, the future queen—their connection grew stronger over the years, marked by a vibrant correspondence and shared devotion.
In 1946, Philip proposed, but they delayed their engagement announcement until Elizabeth’s 21st birthday. This began their legendary public romance, culminating in a grand wedding at Westminster Abbey on November 20, 1947. Philip renounced his Greek and Danish titles, adopting the British surname Mountbatten and taking on the title of Duke of Edinburgh. This event, the first televised royal wedding, offered post-war Britain a glimpse of hope and continuity.
In the early years of their marriage, Elizabeth and Philip enjoyed a semblance of normal life, even residing in Malta while Philip served in the Royal Navy. These years allowed them rare privacy, free from royal responsibilities. However, when King George VI passed away in 1952, Elizabeth ascended to the throne, and Philip found himself readjusting to the demands of royal life as consort to the Queen. This shift introduced tensions into their marriage, as Philip’s independent spirit struggled against the ceremonial constraints of his new role.
While they displayed a united front in public, Philip and Elizabeth remained individuals with different views on monarchy and tradition. Philip was known for his directness and impatience with formalities, qualities that sometimes clashed with Elizabeth’s reserved nature. Despite occasional tensions, their bond reflected mutual respect and commitment to their duties.
King Charles, in particular, recalls his upbringing under his father’s strict discipline and his mother’s unwavering dedication to duty. Charles spoke of Philip as both a stern figure and a man of immense integrity, whose laughter and joy filled the family’s private gatherings. Despite the emotional distance often enforced by royal protocols, Charles saw the enduring affection between his parents, even in challenging times.
According to Princess Anne, Philip’s restless nature sometimes conflicted with the constraints of royal obligations. Though he remained deeply loyal to the monarchy, Anne sensed her father’s internal struggle between his duty and desire for freedom. Philip’s role as consort demanded constant adjustments, and Anne noted that he often grappled with balancing his commitment to the crown with his personal need for autonomy.
Throughout their marriage, the couple endured public scrutiny and speculation, including rumors of Philip’s alleged affair with a Russian dancer in the 1950s. Though never substantiated, these rumors hinted at the sacrifices and challenges inherent in their royal roles. The Queen, known for her composure, remained silent on such matters, embodying the royal maxim: “Never complain, never explain.”
Prince Andrew, often protective of his father’s legacy, has defended Philip’s reputation. He describes his father as a man of honor, unwilling to compromise his commitment to the Queen. Although royal life was demanding, Philip’s children have spoken about his loyalty to both his family and the crown, suggesting that their parents’ relationship, though tested by time and duty, was fundamentally resilient.
In 2017, at the age of 96, Prince Philip retired from public life and chose to live at Wood Farm, a modest residence on the Sandringham estate. According to King Charles, this arrangement gave Philip the autonomy he cherished, allowing him to live his final years surrounded by nature, away from the formalities of Buckingham Palace. While some viewed this as a separation, Charles explains that it was a mutually agreed arrangement that respected both his father’s desire for independence and the Queen’s duty-bound lifestyle.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip reunited at Windsor Castle, sharing a period of renewed closeness. King Charles, Princess Anne, and Prince Andrew have fondly recalled this time as one of intimacy and reflection for their parents, reminding them of the deep bond that had sustained their parents through decades of public life.
Philip’s passing marked the end of an era for the royal family. His children have spoken with pride of his dedication to the monarchy and his enduring love for the Queen, even amid personal sacrifices and challenges. Princess Anne has shared memories of her father’s final days, emphasizing his clarity of purpose and commitment to his family.
In reflecting on their father’s life, Philip’s children recognize the complexities of his role and the deep connection he shared with their mother. Despite the unique challenges of royal life, Philip and Elizabeth’s love and respect endured, forming a legacy that will continue to influence the royal family for generations.
