21.11.16

The Duke of Edinburgh


Following a successful naval career during which he saw active service in the Second World War, The Duke of Edinburgh began to focus on his work in support of The Queen following her Accession in 1952. In 2009 he became the longest serving British consort (companion to the Sovereign), a distinction previously held by Queen Charlotte, George III’s consort. His Royal Highness also has many interests which he pursues separately to his work with Her Majesty, including conservation, engineering, and The Duke of Edinburgh's Award which he founded in 1956.
In addition to supporting The Queen on a large number of charitable engagements, The Duke of Edinburgh is Patron or President of some 800 organisations. Though probably best known for founding The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme in 1956, His Royal Highness is also involved in the work of many more charities and organisations which reflect his wide ranging interests in topics including conservation, sport, the military and engineering.
The Duke of Edinburgh is involved in a great many charities, with special interests in scientific and technological research, the conservation of the environment and the encouragement of sport.
His passion for industry has been seen in countless visits to research laboratories, coalmines, factories and engineering works, with the aim of contributing to the improvement of British industrial life. On an international scale, he has sponsored six conferences on the human problems of industrial communities within the Commonwealth, in his capacity as Patron of The Work Foundation.
Between 1959 and 2011 The Duke chaired the judging panel for The Prince Philip Designers Prize, which rewarded the innovation and creativity of designers and engineers shaping daily life. Winners included product designer Sir James Dyson, architect Lord Foster (designer of 30 St Mary Axe, or 'The Gherkin') and  Andrew Ritchie, inventor of the Brompton folding bicycle.

The Duke of Edinburgh Awards

First launched in 1956 in collaboration with German educationalist Kurt Hahn and Lord Hunt, leader of the first successful ascent of Everest, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award has become the world's leading youth achievement award. The Award operates in more than 140 countries and in its 60 years of running has inspired millions of young people to serve their communities, experience adventure and develop and learn outside of the classroom. The four key elements of the Award are Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey, and is open to those between 14 and 24 years of age.
You can find out more about The Duke of Edinburgh's Award in the UK at www.dofe.org, and on an international level at www.intaward.org.

Military Appointments

Although Prince Philip ended his active naval career in July 1951, he is still very closely connected to the Armed Forces. In 1952 The Duke was appointed Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps, Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Cadet Force and Air Commodore-in-Chief of the Air Training Corps. The following year he was promoted to Admiral of the Fleet and appointed Field Marshal and Marshal of the Royal Air Force.
The Duke is also Captain-General of the Royal Marines and Colonel-in-Chief, or Colonel, of a number of British and overseas regiments.