Books on the life and times of Prince Philip

Prince Philip, the husband of Britain's Queen Elizabeth 2, died at the age of 99, Buckingham Palace announced on April 9, 2021. It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh... His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle," the palace said. The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip has been the longest serving Royal consort in British history. Remembering Prince Philip, here we list down some books written about him that throw light on the life and times of the Duke of Edinburgh.

(Photo: @theroyalfamily/ Instagram)

In 'The Wicked Wit of Prince Philip', Karen Dolby writes about the Duke of Edinburgh's charming British humour and witty one-liners which tells the reader of how he was in person. 'From notorious one-liners to less newsworthy witticisms and from plain speaking to blunt indifference, the Prince does what we all wish we could do now and again – forgets polite conversation and says what he thinks,' the book's blurb reads.

Photo: Michael O'Mara

If you haven't watched 'The Crown' or follow news about the British Royals then this book, as its titled suggests, will give an insight into the controversial and turbulent early life of Prince Philip. Published in 2012, ‘Prince Philip: The Turbulent Early Life of the Man Who Married Queen Elizabeth II’ tells the readers about the extraordinary growing-up years of the man who married one of the most famous woman in the world, Queen Elizabeth 2.

Photo: St. Martin's Griffin

What makes 'Prince Philip Revealed' an intriguing biography about the Duke of Edinburgh is that it is written by royal family expert Ingrid Seward. 'Ingrid Seward, the editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, brings her decades of experience covering the royal family to this fascinating and insightful biography of Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, and father, grandfather, and great-grandfather of the next three kings of England,' reads the book's blurb.

Photo: Atria Books

"I know you will never think much of me. I am rude and unmannerly," Prince Philip, then 21, once wrote to a relative. In this book, Nigel Cawthorne tells the readers about the known and lesser-known stories about Prince Philip which give an insight about the Duke of Edinburgh's life and personality.

Photo: Gibson Square Books Ltd

Written by Phil Dampier and illustrated by Ashley Walton, 'Prince Philip: A Lifetime of Wit and Wisdom' is filled with "the Prince's golden gaffes and wise words from his first public appearances as a Royal nearly 70 years ago up until his retirement in August 2017" reads the book's blurb.

Photo: Medina Publishing

Robert Jobson’s biography of Prince Philip released in 2021 to coincide with the Duke of Edinburgh's 100th birthday. Unfortunately Prince Philip passed away just a few weeks at the age of 99. 'Prince Philip's Century' tells the story of the remarkable life and times, and achievements of Prince Philip; though his biggest achienevement would have been to be the longest serving Royal consort to the Queen.

Photo: Ad Lib

Gyles Brandreth's “semi-authorized biography” gives a closer glimpse of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabth 2, who were married for 72 years. Apart from meeting and quoting people close to the Royal couple, Brandreth knew Prince Philip for 25 years and he also interviewed him.

Photo: W. W. Norton & Company