Join us as we take a look at some of the funniest practical jokes Prince Philip has played over the years. From shocking his staff to scaring his grandsons, the Duke of Edinburgh has a long history of making people laugh.
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Early Life
Prince Philip was born on the Greek island of Corfu on June 10, 1921. He was the only son of Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg. His mother’s family was of German and British descent, while his father was a Danish prince. As a child, Philip lived a privileged life.
Born in Greece
Prince Philip was born on the island of Corfu in Greece, the only son of Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg. He had four older sisters: Margarita, Theodora, Cecilie, and Sophie.
When Philip was 18 months old, his family was forced into exile in France after his father’s involvement in a failed military coup. Philip spent the rest of his childhood in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. In 1928, he enrolled at Schutz staff college in Salzburg, followed by the Royal Naval College at Dartmouth.
Family moved to France
Prince Philip’s family moved to France when he was a baby, and he spent his childhood there. His mother, Alice of Battenberg, was English, and his father, Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark, was Greek. Philip had four sisters— Margarita, Theodora, Cecilie, and Sophie— but they all died young due to wars and diseases.
Educated in England
Prince Philip was educated in England at the prestigious Gordonstoun School, where he excelled in sports. He also spent a term at Salem School in Germany. Philip has said that his time at Gordonstoun was “the making of me.”
In 1939, he enrolled at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth. He graduated with the rank of midshipman and joined the Royal Navy.
The War Years
As second in line to the throne, Prince Philip was not destined for the life of a royal. In 1939, when WWII broke out, Philip joined the British navy and was sent to Singapore. When Singapore fell to the Japanese, Philip was captured and spent the next three-and-a-half years as a Japanese prisoner of war.
Joined the British Navy
In 1939, Philip joined the British Royal Navy as a cadet. He was promoted to midshipman the following year and served on several ships during World War II, including the HMS Ramillies, HMS Kelvin and HMS Wallace. After the war ended, Philip was promoted to lieutenant and he continued to serve in the Navy until his marriage to Elizabeth in 1947.
Served in World War II
Prince Philip served in the Royal Navy during World War II, and saw action in the Mediterranean and Pacific Fleets. He was mentioned in dispatches for bravery during the Battle of Matapan, and was awarded the Greek War Cross.
The Duke of Edinburgh
The Duke of Edinburgh is known for his sense of humour and love of practical jokes. He has been playing jokes on people since he was a young man and continues to do so even now, at the age of 96. Here are some of the funny practical jokes that Prince Philip has played over the years.
Married Queen Elizabeth II
Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and husband of Queen Elizabeth II, has died at the age of 99.
The Duke was known for his sense of humor and love of practical jokes. He once placed a cushion on top of a toilet seat in Buckingham Palace, much to the surprise of the Queen’s corgis.
On another occasion, he attached a paperclip to the back of a portrait of the Queen so that it would fall off when someone tried to hang it up.
He also had a habit of stealing salt and pepper shakers from restaurants, which he would then give as gifts to his friends.
The Duke was also known for his charitable work. He was the patron of more than 800 organizations and was involved in many conservation projects.
Became the Duke of Edinburgh
Prince Philip began his naval career in 1939, at the age of 18, when he joined the Royal Navy as a midshipman. He was quickly promoted to lieutenant and rose to the rank of commander over the course of World War II. In 1947, he married Princess Elizabeth—the future queen of England—and was created Duke of Edinburgh.
Later Life
In his later years, Prince Philip continued to carry out royal engagements on behalf of the Queen. He also took on a number of patronages and continued to be active in many areas of public life. However, he was also known for his practical jokes. Here are some of the funniest ones.
Retired from public life
On 2 August 2017, Buckingham Palace announced that Prince Philip would “wind down” his public engagements and officially retire from public life in the autumn of that year. In April 2018, he attended the Passover service at Windsor Castle with his family, marking his first official engagement since his retirement. It was also announced that he would attend the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on 19 May 2018.
Continued to make occasional appearances
In his later life, Prince Philip continued to make occasional appearances at royal engagements. He also took on a number of new patronages, including the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club and the British Driving Society, of which he became president in 1999. In June 2012, he was hospitalized with a bladder infection and missed several engagements, including the opening of the London Olympics. He was hospitalized again in December 2012 for an operation to clear a blocked coronary artery.
In May 2017, Prince Philip announced that he would be retiring from public engagements. He made his final solo public appearance in August 2017 before attending a reception for the 18th century naval hero Admiral Lord Howe with Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle. His last public engagement was in August 2017 when he reviewed the Royal Navy’s fleet at Portsmouth with Queen Elizabeth II.
Death
The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, has died aged 99, Buckingham Palace has announced. The royal consort, who married the Queen in 1947, retired from public duties in 2017 aged 96. Philip spent a month in hospital earlier this year before being discharged on April 16.
Died at the age of 99
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.
The infield will be open to the public from 10am until 4pm today. pic.twitter.com/4mxqTjb836
— Buckingham Palace (@BuckinghamPalace) April 9, 2021
