From the moment the Queen, as a prim young girl of 13, was shown around the Royal Naval College at Dartmouth by a dashing 18-year-old cadet, no other man really counted. His death yesterday severed a partnership that had lasted for eight decades.
As the Queen s oldest friend, the late Margaret Rhodes, once told the Daily Mail: She was the definitive one-man woman. There could never be anyone else.
In fact, Princess Elizabeth had been only eight when they first met, at the wedding of his cousin Princess Marina of Greece to her uncle George, the Duke of Kent.
As the person closest to the sovereign, Prince Philip s outstanding qualities served her well though they frequently upset the more conservative courtiers.
The Duke of Edinburgh – quizzical, witty and controversial – was the Queen’s greatest source of support, her confidant and the man she relied on above all others.
His lifelong role was to ensure that he never let her down and their long-lasting marriage was arguably one of the world’s best-known relationships.
Although he was not officially given the title of Prince Consort, Philip – a private, enigmatic man of strong character – was always there, one step behind, ready to lend the Queen a helping hand.
Through his stewardship, he had a profound effect on the development of the British monarchy.
No-nonsense prince was Queen s strength and stay | Epping Forest Guardian eppingforestguardian.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from eppingforestguardian.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Royals are a family in mourning after Prince Philip dies aged 99: Queen s heartbreak after husband s death was unexpected despite hospital stay - as Charles takes comfort that he spent more time with father in recent weeks
Her Majesty announced death of her husband of 73 years at midday Friday and joins the world in mourning
Philip was in Windsor after being treated for an infection and pre-existing heart condition for 28 nights
Prince Charles was seen leaving Windsor Castle last night after visiting his mother following Philip s death
Duke of Edinburgh had kept a low profile since conducting his final solo public engagement in August 2017
Duke of Edinburgh s life with Queen Elizabeth: Prince Philip was her strength and stay thenationalnews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thenationalnews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.