Remembering Prince Philip: The best photo from every year of his royal career

Tom Murray,Daniel Boan,Mikhaila Friel,Armani SyedApr 9, 2021, 18:50 IST

Prince Philip.Hannah McKay/ WPA Pool/ Getty Images

Prince Philip died at the age of 99 on Friday, April 9.
Philip's lengthy career has produced some remarkable royal photography.
We've collected the best images from each of his years as Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Prince Philip has died at the age of 99. Buckingham Palace announced on Friday, April 9 that the Duke of Edinburgh died earlier that morning.

According to The Telegraph, the Duke of Edinburgh had carried out 22,219 solo engagements and 637 solo visits overseas since he left active military service in 1952.

His Royal Highness' career will be remembered equally for his sharp wit as he will be for his gaffes, which often left the nation laughing or reeling.

The Prince's prolonged service won him support from both sides of Parliament - Jeremy Corbyn applauded his "clear sense of public duty" and Theresa May praised his "steadfast support" to the Queen.

Philip's lengthy career, marked by hundreds of visits to far-flung corners of the British Empire, unsurprisingly produced some remarkable royal photography.

Here are the best images from each of his years as Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

1947: Prince Philip began his journey as a British Royal when he married into the country's royal family after a five-month engagement to his distant cousin, Elizabeth.

Princess Elizabeth and Lt Philip Mountbatten at Buckingham Palace after their wedding ceremony. Popperfoto/Getty Images

1948: The couple then had their first child, Prince Charles.

Prince Charles was born in 1948. Keystone-France/Getty Images

1949: Philip spent many of his younger years in the Royal Navy meaning family time was precious.

Philip spent a lot of time in the Royal Navy. Paul Popper/Popperfoto/Getty Images

1950: Elizabeth and Philip then welcomed their second child, Princess Anne.

This is one of the earliest photos of Princess Anne. Paul Popper/Popperfoto/Getty Images

1951: The family's first home was Clarence House, located just a stone's throw away from Buckingham Palace in central London.

The royal family plays in the garden. Keystone-France/Getty Images

1952: Despite his active naval career ending in 1951, he was promoted to commander of the Royal Navy in 1952.

Philip was promoted to commander. Central Press/Getty Images

1953: During the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, Philip bowed to his wife.

Philip bowed to his wife during the coronation. AP Images

1954: This photo shows the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh during an official visit to the HMAS Australia, flagship of the Australian Navy.

The couple visited the HMAS Australia. Hulton Deutsch/Getty Images

1955: Throughout his career, he was involved with more than 780 organizations.

Prince Philip plants a tree to commemorate his visit to Epsom College Hulton-Deutsch Collection/ CORBIS/ Getty Images

1956: The royal then founded the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme.

Philip founded the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme. AP Photo

1957: It wasn't until 1957 that Philip was formally made a British prince.

Philip officially became a prince in 1957. AP Photo

1958: Here, Prince Philip is handing a pen back to Levi Milley after signing an autograph.

Philip signing an autograph. AP Photo

1959: Philip and Elizabeth's children grew up meeting some of the world's most powerful leaders.

Prince Philip looks on as President Eisenhower pats Princess Anne on the shoulder. AP Photo

1960: Prince Andrew, the couple's third child, was born in 1960.

Prince Andrew was born in 1960. AP Photo

1961: The royal couple made their first visit to the Taj Mahal in India in January 1961.

The couple visited India in 1961. AP Photo

1962: The Royals became a regular fixture at Ascot events.

The Queen and Philip attending an Ascot event. AP Photo

1963: The couple went on a tour of Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand.

The couple embarked on a royal tour this year. AP Photo

1964: People often don't realize that the royal was also a qualified pilot, having racked up nearly 6,000 flying hours over the past five decades.

The Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip takes over the controls during a 75-minute flight in a new trident jet airliner of British European Airways. AP Photo

1965: Philip attended the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill.

Philip at the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill. Popperfoto/ Getty Images

1966: The Queen and her husband visited St. Lucia.

The royal couple visited St. Lucia this year. AP Photo

1967: The following year, he made an equally dubious gaffe.

Prince Philip in 1967. AP Photo

1968: Britain celebrated the 50th anniversary of the formation of the RAF in style.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited the Royal Air Force Base at Abington, England. AP Photo

1969: Prince Philip joined a patient's group therapy session when he visited the National Addiction and Research Institute in Chelsea, London.

The prince at the National Addiction and Research Institute in Chelsea, London. AP Photo

1970: Queen Elizabeth II read her speech in the House of Lords alongside her husband for the State Opening of Parliament in 1970.

The Queen reads a speech. AP Photo

1971: In this photo, the late Sir Roger Moore meets the Duke of Edinburgh at an auction dinner.

Sir Roger Moore and the Duke of Edinburgh met in 1971. AP Photo/Staff/Dear/Bippa

1972: Philip and Elizabeth travelled to France and took part in remembrance services.

Philip and Elizabeth paid a visit to France in 1972. AP Photo

1973: Prince Philip talked to his wife before the new Sydney Opera House complex.

Philip visited Australia in 1973. AP Photo

1974: He received a traditional Maori welcome when he arrived in Christchurch, New Zealand, to open the 10th Commonwealth Games.

Prince Philip in New Zealand in 1974. AP Photo

1975: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip are greeted by Emperor Hirohito of Japan at the entrance of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

Elizabeth and Philip with Emperor Hirohito of Japan. AP Photo

1976: The couple made a royal visit to Luxembourg this year.

Philip and Elizabeth in Luxembourg. AP Photo

1977: The Queen and Philip visited New Zealand.

The couple wore their sashes and Royal Orders. Anwar Hussein/Getty Images

1978: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were followed by their sons Prince Andrew, left, and Prince Edward, as they entered the stadium before the start of the 11th Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Canada.

The royal family entering the Commonwealth Games in 1978. AP Photo

1978: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were followed by their sons Prince Andrew, left, and Prince Edward, as they entered the stadium before the start of the 11th Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Canada.

1979: A family photo was taken on the grounds of Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

A family photo taken in 1979. PA Images/ Getty Images

1980: The Royals made a historic visit to meet Pope John Paul II in the Vatican in October 1980.

This was a historic moment. AP Photo

1981: Philip's first son, Prince Charles, married Lady Diana Spencer in 1981.

Prince Charles and Lady Diana's wedding day. MSI/ Mirrorpix/ Getty Images

1982: The Queen looked surprised after her husband, Prince Philip, pointed out that they should be going another way as they drove through the crowd of athletes and officials during the Closing Ceremony of the 12th Commonwealth Games.

The couple was a regular at the Commonwealth Games. AP Photo/Pool

1982: The Queen looked surprised after her husband, Prince Philip, pointed out that they should be going another way as they drove through the crowd of athletes and officials during the Closing Ceremony of the 12th Commonwealth Games.

1983: The couple met every sitting US president - bar Lyndon B. Johnson - since Elizabeth ascended to the throne.

Philip and Elizabeth met Ronald and Nancy Reagan in 1983. AP Photo/Ed Reinke

1984: The royal family, along with Lord Spencer, attended Prince Harry's christening in December.

Prince Harry's christening. PA Images/ Getty Images

1985: The Queen, Prince Philip, the Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal, Princes William and Harry, and the Earl of Wessex all attended Trooping the Colour.

The royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. David Levenson/ Getty Images

1985: The Queen, Prince Philip, the Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal, Princes William and Harry, and the Earl of Wessex all attended Trooping the Colour.

1986: The couple paid a state visit to China.

The couple visited the Great Wall of China. AP Photo/Neal Ulevich

1987: Philip held a news conference in Washington D.C. in May 1987, to announce a World Wildlife Fund Campaign to end illegal wildlife trade.

Philip held a news conference in May 1987. AP Photo

1988: Prince Philip was greeted by children of the British School in Holland.

Prince Philip made a visit to the Netherlands. AP Photo/Blom

1989: Philip was greeted by a worshipper at St. Mary's Cathedral in Kuala Lumpur after he stepped in for the Queen who was unable to attend the service because of a chill.

Philip stepped in for the Queen. AP Photo/ Russell McPhedran

1989: Philip was greeted by a worshipper at St. Mary's Cathedral in Kuala Lumpur after he stepped in for the Queen who was unable to attend the service because of a chill.

1990: The prince had the honour of delivering the Rafael M. Salas Lecture at the United Nations' headquarters in New York.

Prince Philip at the United Nations' headquarters in New York. AP Photo/ Mark Lennihan

1991: President George H. Bush escorted Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on the field at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, before the Orioles played the Oakland A's.

The Queen and Philip at a baseball game in Baltimore. AP Photo/ Greg Gibson

1992: Here, Prince Philip emerges from the channel tunnel near Calais, France, after becoming the first member of the royal family to use the rail line connecting England and France.

Prince Philip had a chance to ride the new rail line. PA Images/ Getty Images

1992: Here, Prince Philip emerges from the channel tunnel near Calais, France, after becoming the first member of the royal family to use the rail line connecting England and France.

1993: The Duke of Edinburgh chats with Diana, Princess of Wales, at a banquet he is hosting in honour of the Queen.

Philip chatted with Diana. John Stillwell/ PA Images/ Getty Images

1994: This was the first ever visit to Israel by a member of the royal family.

Prince Philip made a historical visit in 1994. AP Photo

1995: Queen Elizabeth II looks up toward the sky as Prince Philip, left, and Prince Charles look on during memorial services to mark the 50th anniversary of VJ Day in London.

Prince Philip, the Queen, and Prince Charles in 1995. AP Photo/Jacqueline Artz, Pool

1995: Queen Elizabeth II looks up toward the sky as Prince Philip, left, and Prince Charles look on during memorial services to mark the 50th anniversary of VJ Day in London.

1996: Prince Philip made a comment that caused outrage across the country on December 18.

Prince Philip caused a stir. REUTERS/Ian Waldie

1997: Philip and his wife, Queen Elizabeth II, walk through a sea of flowers left by the public outside Buckingham Palace in memory of Princess Diana.

Philip and Elizabeth observe flowers left for Princess Diana. REUTERS/Ian Waldie/Files

1998: Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip greet Tony Blair and his wife Cherie at Buckingham Palace in London on the second day of the Asia-Europe meeting.

The royal couple met Tony Blair and his wife Cherie in 1998. REUTERS/Jonathan Evans

1999: The Queen and her husband paid a visit to Ghana.

The couple made a royal visit to Ghana. ISSOUF SANOGO/ AFP/ Getty Images

2000: Prince Philip bids farewell to Former President Nelson Mandela.

Prince Philip with Nelson Mandela in 2000. REUTERS

2001: Jordan's Queen Rania smiled with Prince Philip during arrival ceremonies in Windsor.

Prince Philp with the Queen Rania in 2001. REUTERS/Russell Boyce

2002: This was a year of glorious highs and sad lows.

The Queen Mother passed away in 2002. REUTERS/Russell Boyce

2003: Then-US President George W. Bush visited Britain with his wife Laura in 2003.

The royal couple met George W. Bush and Laura Bush in 2003. REUTERS/Jason Reed

2004: A memorial fountain dedicated to the late Princess Diana was unveiled in Hyde Park, London.

The royal family observed a new memorial fountain for Princess Diana. REUTERS/David Bebber

2005: A National Service of Remembrance was held for the Victims of the London Bombings at St. Paul's Cathedral in central London.

Philip and the Queen at St. Paul's Cathedral in 2005. REUTERS/Kieran

2006: Prince Philip visited the Queen's Royal Hussars in Basra.

The prince made a visit to Basra in 2006. REUTERS/Ministry of Defence/Handout

2007: Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth celebrated their diamond (60th) wedding anniversary.

2007 marked the couple's 60th wedding anniversary. REUTERS/Fiona Hanson/Pool

2008: Prince Philip and France's then-first lady Carla Bruni laughed as they stood with Queen Elizabeth and French President Nicolas Sarkozy during a review of the Guard of Honour.

Prince Philip with then-first lady Carla Bruni in 2008. REUTERS/Lewis Whyld/Pool

2008: Prince Philip and France's then-first lady Carla Bruni laughed as they stood with Queen Elizabeth and French President Nicolas Sarkozy during a review of the Guard of Honour.

2009: Prince Philip speaks to well-wishers during his visit with Queen Elizabeth to Newcastle, northern England.

Prince Philip speaking with the public. REUTERS/Owen Humphreys/Pool

2010: Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip attended the ninth inauguration of the General Synod, with the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.

The ninth Inauguration of the General Synod at Westminster Abbey. REUTERS/Dan Kitwood/Pool

2011: Prince Philip spent his life supporting veterans and the armed forces.

Prince Philip speaking with soldiers and their relatives. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer

2012: This brilliant photo captures Philip, Elizabeth, and Charles laughing as they watch the Braemer Gathering in Scotland as competitors participated in a sack race.

Philip, Elizabeth, and Charles during the Braemer Gathering in Scotland. REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

2013: Prince Philip was presented with New Zealand's highest honour, the Order of New Zealand, by his wife, Elizabeth, at Buckingham Palace in London.

Prince Philip received New Zealand's highest honour. REUTERS/Anthony Devlin

2014: The couple laughed after bidding farewell to the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina at Windsor Castle.

Prince Philip and the Queen sharing a laugh. REUTERS/Leon Neal/Pool

2015: Philip played a vital role in saving Britain's engineering sector in the 1970s by creating a national engineering academy.

Philip played a role in saving Britain's engineering sector. REUTERS/Wolfgang Kumm/Pool

2016: The Duke of Edinburgh Award celebrated its 60 anniversary in 2016 - arguably the most successful venture of any current royal.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip during the Patron's Lunch street party. REUTERS/Toby Melville

2017: After 65 years of public service, the prince retired from public life.

The prince retired from public appearances. Max Mumby/ Indigo/ Getty Images

2018: Though officially retired, Prince Philip made appearances at a number of events in 2018.

Prince Philip made a few appearances in 2018. Chris Radburn / WPA Pool / Getty Images

2019: Prince Philip was involved in a car crash while driving near Sandringham.

Prince Philip was involved in a car crash near to the Queen's Sandringham estate, pictured above. John Stillwell/ PA Images/ Getty Images

2020: The Duke of Edinburgh marked his 99th birthday with a photo alongside the Queen taken at Windsor Castle.

Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle. Press Association

2021: Prince Philip died at Windsor Castle on Friday, April 9 after being discharged from St Bartholomew's Hospital on March 16.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh during the transfer of the Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles at Windsor Castle in 2020. Samir Hussein/WireImage

The incredible life of Prince Philip, who is dead at the age of 99

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Remembering Prince Philip: The best photo from every year of his royal career

1947: Prince Philip began his journey as a British Royal when he married into the country's royal family after a five-month engagement to his distant cousin, Elizabeth.

1948: The couple then had their first child, Prince Charles.

1949: Philip spent many of his younger years in the Royal Navy meaning family time was precious.

1950: Elizabeth and Philip then welcomed their second child, Princess Anne.

1951: The family's first home was Clarence House, located just a stone's throw away from Buckingham Palace in central London.

1952: Despite his active naval career ending in 1951, he was promoted to commander of the Royal Navy in 1952.

1953: During the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, Philip bowed to his wife.

1954: This photo shows the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh during an official visit to the HMAS Australia, flagship of the Australian Navy.

1955: Throughout his career, he was involved with more than 780 organizations.

1956: The royal then founded the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme.

1957: It wasn't until 1957 that Philip was formally made a British prince.

1958: Here, Prince Philip is handing a pen back to Levi Milley after signing an autograph.

1959: Philip and Elizabeth's children grew up meeting some of the world's most powerful leaders.

1960: Prince Andrew, the couple's third child, was born in 1960.

1961: The royal couple made their first visit to the Taj Mahal in India in January 1961.

1962: The Royals became a regular fixture at Ascot events.

1963: The couple went on a tour of Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand.

1964: People often don't realize that the royal was also a qualified pilot, having racked up nearly 6,000 flying hours over the past five decades.

1965: Philip attended the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill.

1966: The Queen and her husband visited St. Lucia.

1967: The following year, he made an equally dubious gaffe.

1968: Britain celebrated the 50th anniversary of the formation of the RAF in style.

1969: Prince Philip joined a patient's group therapy session when he visited the National Addiction and Research Institute in Chelsea, London.

1970: Queen Elizabeth II read her speech in the House of Lords alongside her husband for the State Opening of Parliament in 1970.

1971: In this photo, the late Sir Roger Moore meets the Duke of Edinburgh at an auction dinner.

1972: Philip and Elizabeth travelled to France and took part in remembrance services.

1973: Prince Philip talked to his wife before the new Sydney Opera House complex.

1974: He received a traditional Maori welcome when he arrived in Christchurch, New Zealand, to open the 10th Commonwealth Games.

1975: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip are greeted by Emperor Hirohito of Japan at the entrance of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

1976: The couple made a royal visit to Luxembourg this year.

1977: The Queen and Philip visited New Zealand.

1978: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were followed by their sons Prince Andrew, left, and Prince Edward, as they entered the stadium before the start of the 11th Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Canada.

1979: A family photo was taken on the grounds of Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

1980: The Royals made a historic visit to meet Pope John Paul II in the Vatican in October 1980.

1981: Philip's first son, Prince Charles, married Lady Diana Spencer in 1981.

1982: The Queen looked surprised after her husband, Prince Philip, pointed out that they should be going another way as they drove through the crowd of athletes and officials during the Closing Ceremony of the 12th Commonwealth Games.

1983: The couple met every sitting US president - bar Lyndon B. Johnson - since Elizabeth ascended to the throne.

1984: The royal family, along with Lord Spencer, attended Prince Harry's christening in December.

1985: The Queen, Prince Philip, the Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal, Princes William and Harry, and the Earl of Wessex all attended Trooping the Colour.

1986: The couple paid a state visit to China.

1987: Philip held a news conference in Washington D.C. in May 1987, to announce a World Wildlife Fund Campaign to end illegal wildlife trade.

1988: Prince Philip was greeted by children of the British School in Holland.

1989: Philip was greeted by a worshipper at St. Mary's Cathedral in Kuala Lumpur after he stepped in for the Queen who was unable to attend the service because of a chill.

1990: The prince had the honour of delivering the Rafael M. Salas Lecture at the United Nations' headquarters in New York.

1991: President George H. Bush escorted Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on the field at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, before the Orioles played the Oakland A's.

1992: Here, Prince Philip emerges from the channel tunnel near Calais, France, after becoming the first member of the royal family to use the rail line connecting England and France.

1993: The Duke of Edinburgh chats with Diana, Princess of Wales, at a banquet he is hosting in honour of the Queen.

1994: This was the first ever visit to Israel by a member of the royal family.

1995: Queen Elizabeth II looks up toward the sky as Prince Philip, left, and Prince Charles look on during memorial services to mark the 50th anniversary of VJ Day in London.

1996: Prince Philip made a comment that caused outrage across the country on December 18.

1997: Philip and his wife, Queen Elizabeth II, walk through a sea of flowers left by the public outside Buckingham Palace in memory of Princess Diana.

1998: Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip greet Tony Blair and his wife Cherie at Buckingham Palace in London on the second day of the Asia-Europe meeting.

1999: The Queen and her husband paid a visit to Ghana.

2000: Prince Philip bids farewell to Former President Nelson Mandela.

2001: Jordan's Queen Rania smiled with Prince Philip during arrival ceremonies in Windsor.

2002: This was a year of glorious highs and sad lows.

2003: Then-US President George W. Bush visited Britain with his wife Laura in 2003.

2004: A memorial fountain dedicated to the late Princess Diana was unveiled in Hyde Park, London.

2005: A National Service of Remembrance was held for the Victims of the London Bombings at St. Paul's Cathedral in central London.

2006: Prince Philip visited the Queen's Royal Hussars in Basra.

2007: Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth celebrated their diamond (60th) wedding anniversary.

2008: Prince Philip and France's then-first lady Carla Bruni laughed as they stood with Queen Elizabeth and French President Nicolas Sarkozy during a review of the Guard of Honour.

2009: Prince Philip speaks to well-wishers during his visit with Queen Elizabeth to Newcastle, northern England.

2010: Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip attended the ninth inauguration of the General Synod, with the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.

2011: Prince Philip spent his life supporting veterans and the armed forces.

2012: This brilliant photo captures Philip, Elizabeth, and Charles laughing as they watch the Braemer Gathering in Scotland as competitors participated in a sack race.

2013: Prince Philip was presented with New Zealand's highest honour, the Order of New Zealand, by his wife, Elizabeth, at Buckingham Palace in London.

2014: The couple laughed after bidding farewell to the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina at Windsor Castle.

2015: Philip played a vital role in saving Britain's engineering sector in the 1970s by creating a national engineering academy.

2016: The Duke of Edinburgh Award celebrated its 60 anniversary in 2016 - arguably the most successful venture of any current royal.

2017: After 65 years of public service, the prince retired from public life.

2018: Though officially retired, Prince Philip made appearances at a number of events in 2018.

2019: Prince Philip was involved in a car crash while driving near Sandringham.

2020: The Duke of Edinburgh marked his 99th birthday with a photo alongside the Queen taken at Windsor Castle.

2021: Prince Philip died at Windsor Castle on Friday, April 9 after being discharged from St Bartholomew's Hospital on March 16.