We’re all familiar with what Prince Philip looked like later in life, but once upon a time, he was a handsome young man who managed to sweep the future Queen of England off her feet. Do you want proof? Check out these rare pictures of the Duke of Edinburgh that most people have never seen:
8. At London Airport – 1947
This photo is from 1947 when Prince Philip, then known as Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, was engaged to Queen Elizabeth, who was then just a princess. He always looked so serious, almost angry! But, wow, he was still quite the specimen! Elizabeth was one lucky lady!
Press Association7. With Prince Charles at London Airport – 1952
Here, Prince Philip is at London Airport in 1952 with a young Prince Charles. This is a really sweet picture; however, it is well known that Philip never had a particularly close relationship with his eldest son. You’d never know it from this picture, though!
Everett Collection6. Leek Presentation Ceremony – 1968
Prince Philip attended the Leek Presentation Ceremony in Windsor as Colonel of the Welsh Guards in 1968 with two of his sons, Prince Charles and Prince Edward. He held this post, Colonel of the Welsh Guards, from 1953 to 1974 before he retired.
Mirrorpix/Courtesy Everett Collection5. As a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy – 1946
In 1939, he joined the British Royal Navy as a cadet after leaving Gordonstoun School. He was promoted to Lieutenant in July 1942 and that October he was appointed to the V and W-class destroyer and flotilla leader HMS Wallace. He was in Tokyo Bay when the Japanese surrendered and is one of the few royals to serve in a combative role.
Press Association4. In the Full Dress Uniform of Admiral of the Fleet – 1961
Prince Philip was appointed Admiral of the Fleet in 1953 along with Field Marshal of the Army and Marshal of the Royal Air Force. This photo is from 1961. He’s wearing the full dress uniform of Admiral of the Fleet. He certainly looks handsome!
Everett Collection3. Summer Olympics – 1948
In 1948, the Summer Olympics were held in London, England, and Prince Philip got to attend the games. Here he is shaking hands with French cyclist Jose Beyeart, who had just won the 20-mile cycle road race in Windsor.
Press Association2. Painting in 1969
Many people aren’t aware that Prince Philip was actually an avid painter and loves to paint landscapes with oils. His most famous painting is arguably one of his wife, Queen Elizabeth, having breakfast. This picture of him painting is from 1969.
Everett Collection1. At Gordonstoun – 1939
Prince Philip was incredibly handsome as a young man. Here is at Gordonstoun, a boarding school in Elgin, Scotland, in 1939, where he spent the majority of his high school years. This was just before he went off and enrolled at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth.
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