Evaluation That She Faithfully Supported Queen Elizabeth
The late Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom (Image source: Screenshot from the official website of Buckingham Palace, UK)
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh, husband of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, has passed away at the age of 99.
The British royal family’s Buckingham Palace announced on the 9th (local time), "The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, peacefully passed away this morning at Windsor Castle."
Prince Philip was hospitalized in February for treatment of an infection other than COVID-19, and underwent heart surgery last month. After completing treatment and being discharged on the 16th of last month, he stayed at Windsor Castle. However, he passed away at Windsor Castle on the 9th at the age of 99, just over two months before his 100th birthday.
At the military parade held in 2003, Prince Philip (right) is seen waving his hand alongside Queen Elizabeth II (left) on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London. [Image source=AFP Yonhap News]
Prince Philip was born on June 10, 1921, in Greece as the son of Prince Andreas of Greece and Denmark and Alice, the great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria.
However, the following year, his family was exiled to France after his uncle, King Constantine I, abdicated due to defeat in the Turkish War of Independence.
After moving to the United Kingdom in 1928, he entered the British Royal Naval College and served in the British Navy. While attending the naval college, he first met Elizabeth, who visited with King George VI, and they developed their love through exchanging letters.
Philip married Elizabeth in November 1947. However, as a prince of the fallen royal families of Greece and Denmark, and with his sisters married to former German royalty and nobility, he faced strong opposition at the time. Ultimately, he renounced his claim to the Greek throne, became a naturalized British citizen, converted to Anglicanism, and married Elizabeth.
In 1952, Elizabeth ascended the throne as Queen Elizabeth II, and Philip became the Queen’s consort.
They had four children: Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward.
Last November, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, ahead of her 73rd wedding anniversary, was looking at a congratulatory card personally made by Prince George, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte along with Prince Philip. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]
Prince Philip is regarded as having faithfully supported the Queen quietly as her consort for over 60 years. At their 50th wedding anniversary golden jubilee in 1997, he emphasized, "My duty is, first, second, and last, never to let the Queen down."
However, he was sometimes embroiled in controversy due to racially insensitive remarks and inappropriate jokes that demeaned Africa, India, and others.
Prince Philip visited South Korea in 1985 as the president of the International Equestrian Federation, and later accompanied Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to South Korea in 1999, invited by the late President Kim Dae-jung.
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