The Truth About What Prince Philip's Life Is Like Today
By the time that Prince Philip retired from royal duties in 2017, he was 96 and had completed 22,219 royal engagements by himself, according to the BBC. Sky News said he's the longest-serving partner to a monarch. While the Duke of Edinburgh could step back from royal duties, he couldn't retire from being one of the most recognizable royals in the world. So, here's the truth about what Prince Philip's life is like today. He no longer lives with the Queen and has passed many of his jobs onto Prince Charles and the younger royals.
Prince Philip is set to turn 100 years old in June 2021. Sky News details that in his early life he lived in Greece and France. His family had connections with the royal family and he married the Queen in 1947. However, when she was crowned in 1953 his life changed dramatically. His sole job was the support her and fulfill royal engagements. Women and Home notes that he once said he's "the world's most experienced plaque unveiler," but his duties have taken him around the globe.
When he stepped back from his duties in 2017 he moved away from Buckingham Palace and his schedule changed dramatically.
Why doesn't Prince Philip live with the Queen?
Women and Home reported that Prince Philip retired to Wood Farm on the royal Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. As the Queen continues to fulfill royal duties, she has to stay in Buckingham Palace. However, that doesn't mean that they don't get to see each other.
The Express said that the royal couple would normally reunite at Windsor Castle for the Easter holidays. They also spend summer at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. During the pandemic, the Queen and Prince Philip stayed in Windsor Castle, according to Tatler.
Prince Philip has committed to a few family engagements since his retirement. According to the Express, royal experts have said that the rest of the time he reads and paints using watercolors. He also visits friends and takes a horse and carriage around the grounds of the Sandringham Estate.
It would seem that while he's moved to the countryside, Prince Philip still keeps his heart on the pulse of what's going on in the royal family. Speaking about his retirement to Sandringham a source told the Daily Mail, "The Queen feels the Duke has earned a proper retirement. She knows him too well — if he was still at the center of royal life he'd feel he had to be involved. Being at Wood Farm means he's not too far away, but far enough to be able to relax."
What Prince Philip said about his retirement
Like many other people, it'd seem like Prince Philip has used his retirement to kick back and relax, spend time with his ever-growing family, and enjoy his hobbies. The Guardian reported the statement that Buckingham Palace released upon his retirement. "Prince Philip will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August, both individually and accompanying the Queen," it read, "Thereafter, the Duke will not be accepting new invitations for visits and engagements, although he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time."
The Express spoke to the former royal librarian Lady Jane Roberts who said: "He is a many-faceted man with huge energy and a diversity of different interests." According to the publication, Prince Philip has a keen interest in bird watching and horse riding. He's written 14 books on environmental, technological, and equestrian subjects and also enjoys fly fishing.
The Duke of Edinburgh has lived a much more private life over the last couple of years. In April 2020 he issued his first message since he retired. The Telegraph reported that he said, "On behalf of those of us who remain safe and at home, I also wanted to thank all key workers who ensure the infrastructure of our life continues; the staff and volunteers working in food production and distribution, those keeping postal and delivery services going, and those ensuring the rubbish continues to be collected."