Had the Duke of Edinburgh not become the Queen’s husband, some believe he would have been First Sea Lord – the professional head of the Royal Navy.
Philip joined the Navy after leaving school and in May 1939 enrolled at the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, where he was singled out as best cadet.
He rose rapidly through the ranks, earning promotion after promotion, but his life was to take a very different course.
The Duke of Edinburgh as Commander of the Frigate HMS Magpie in 1951 (PA)
The duke’s flourishing naval career came to a premature end in 1951.
The health of his father-in-law, George VI, was deteriorating and Queen-in-waiting Princess Elizabeth was required to take on more royal responsibilities.
Prince Philip dead at 99: Queen announces with deep sorrow that husband the Duke of Edinburgh passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle this morning - three weeks after he finished 28-night hospital stay for infection and heart surgery
Her Majesty announced death of her husband of 73 years at midday today and joins the world in mourning
Philip was in Windsor after being treated for an infection and pre-existing heart condition for 28 nights
Duke of Edinburgh had kept a low profile since conducting his final solo public engagement in August 2017
After retiring, Philip spent much of his time at Windsor and at Queen s private Sandringham estate in Norfolk
Prince Philip Sec of State, UK
It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. pic.twitter.com/XOIDQqlFPn The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 9, 2021
The Duke of Edinburgh and his generation will forever be treasured by the Armed Forces for their leadership and sacrifice during the Second World War.”
Flags have been lowered to half-mast at the Ministry of Defence, at UK military installations across the world and on Her Majesty’s Ships to mark the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.
PNA Rota/Getty Images
Prince Philip, who died Friday at the age of 99, was a decorated WWII combat veteran.
He earned a valor award for lighting up enemy ships in a nighttime battle, helping the British achieve victory.
He is also credited with helping save his ship from an enemy bomber in a battle two years later.
Prince Philip, who died on Friday at the age of 99, was a decorated World War II veteran who fought in a number of battles during the global conflict, including one brutal exchange in the dead of night.
Allied forces delivered a devastating blow to the Italian navy at Cape Matapan just off Greece on March 28, 1941, sinking several enemy vessels in quick succession.