Philip and Elizabeth were both royal by birth, both great-great-grandchildren of Queen Victoria, but, in temperament and upbringing, they were two very different people. The Queen’s childhood was loving and secure, the Duke’s was turbulent; his grandfather assassinated, his father arrested, his family exiled, his parents separated when he was only ten. Elizabeth and Philip met as cousins in the 1930s. They married in 1947, aged twenty-one and twenty-six.

Philip and Elizabeth were both royal by birth, both great-great-grandchildren of Queen Victoria, but, in temperament and upbringing, they were two very different people. The Queen’s childhood was loving and secure, the Duke’s was turbulent: his grandfather assassinated, his father arrested, his family exiled, his parents separated when he was only ten. Elizabeth and Philip met as cousins in the 1930s. They married in 1947, aged twenty-one and twenty-six.

This affectionate biography of Prince Philip is stuffed with entertaining anecdotes ... so readable and refreshing even after the millions of words that have been written about Prince Philip in the past couple of weeks.' - THE TIMES

The fascinating biography of a man who lived for almost a century, most of his life constantly observed by the rest of the world through the biased eyes of the press. But by the very nature of his position as husband to the Queen of England, he was know my very few. The author, Gyles Brandreth, was probably one of the people, outside of Prince Philip's very small, intimate circle who grew to know him best and this book is a record of both his memories and intensive research amongst those who knew and lived closest to him.The I do feel that Brandreth makes convincing arguments that Prince Philip worked hard through his life, was truly supportive to Queen Elizabeth, and they were a well-suited married pair. I have felt many times he was given a very "bad press," so I was happy to see that Brandreth was not afraid to cover the many gaffs and "scandalous behaviours." I suspected that the media made far too much over small signs, and created BS out of whole cloth, and Prince Philip and I entirely agree in principle about the effect of Rupert Murdoch has had on the world. Brandreth explores a temperament on the brink of anger and agitation with immense tact, even affection.' - THE SPECTATOR A warm, affectionate portrait of the much-missed Duke ... a rich source of insights and anecdotes.' - SAGA MAGAZINE Brandreth also indicated early on that he would spend the bulk of the book discussing the “army years”, on the premise that “what people are is a reflection of where they came from.” In the final analysis I thought this was far more interesting and enjoyable to read than a strictly chronological review of his life in each of his 10 decades.It is a beautifully written book about a unique and extraordinary man who was the longest-serving consort to the longest reigning monarch in British history. I have read many other books about Philip but this is the best.' - DAILY EXPRESS How do you tell the story of a man like Prince Philip who lived through some remarkable social, economic, political and cultural changes without sounding like one of two types? Gyles Brandreth is one of Britain’s busiest after-dinner speakers and award ceremony hosts. He has won awards himself, and been nominated for awards, as a public speaker, novelist, children’s writer, broadcaster (Sony), political diarist (Channel Four), journalist (British Press Awards), theatre producer (Olivier), and businessman (British Tourist Authority Come to Britain Trophy). This was a very well-written book that had the "royal seal of approval", but the author didn't pull any punches when speculating on Philip's supposed affairs. He discussed these rumors in-depth, naming names and scenarios- but ultimately came to the conclusion that they were much ado about nothing. His rational for the aura of sexuality around the very handsome Philip was being the only son amongst several sisters, was celebrated and doted upon. He carried this confidence around women forward into his adult life, and was devastatingly handsome. A stately, respectful and joyful tribute. It is an extraordinary story, told with unique insight and authority by an author who knew him for more than 40 years.' - EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS