If it weren't for the matchmaking of his uncle Mountbatten, Prince Philip might never have married Queen Elizabeth II.
Back then, he was a dashing and reckless prince, until Mountbatten arranged for him to become Queen Elizabeth's well-known son-in-law.
Despite over 70 years of royal life not changing his nature, Philip remains one of the most controversial figures in the British monarchy.
His words and actions even challenge the Queen's control, often leaving her to clean up his messes.
Philip's mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, didn't have a positive view of him. She initially doubted her daughter's affection for this handsome man.
However, Mountbatten's mediation eventually led to this highly anticipated romance.
Despite what the public sees, the Queen remains devoted to this unique prince.
Despite his numerous infidelities, which displeased his mother-in-law, her strong intervention has moderated him.
Nevertheless, regardless of Philip's flirtations and unreliability, the Queen remains deeply enamored with his handsome appearance, charming smile, and gentlemanly demeanor.
Even with his infidelities or inappropriate behavior, she always forgives him generously, sometimes even defending him against her mother, the Queen Mother.
The Queen always demands strictness, believing that royal members should be cautious in their actions and become her capable assistants, rather than bringing disgrace to the monarchy according to their personal wishes.
However, Philip is dissatisfied with royal life and unwilling to stay on the estate every day, taking care of the children's daily lives.
He misses his military career, loves seaside life, and craves freedom and artistic life.
Therefore, his interaction with the Queen is very casual, like an ordinary couple sharing life, chatting, joking, sometimes bringing surprises and unexpected events.
When Charles was born, Philip looked at this ordinary-looking son and frankly called him "like a pudding," something different.
Although the Queen was helpless, she accepted this title.
Philip's vision is sharp, but Charles did not grow up to be as handsome as his father, making his good genes seem somewhat wasted.
Philip's humor and wit are well known, even not sparing his favorite daughter Princess Anne.
When friends asked if the princess had a boyfriend, Prince Philip jokingly replied that she only loved eating grass and didn't care about anything else.
Princess Anne was passionate about horse racing at the time and had no interest in love affairs.
However, in such a serious atmosphere of the royal family, Philip's humor is not always appropriate, and his remarks sometimes cause controversy.
After Princess Anne was kidnapped, an angry Philip exploded, saying that if the kidnappers succeeded, Anne would make their lives hell in prison.
As a father, such remarks may be understandable, but as a monarch's spouse, he needs to pay more attention to his words and actions, so these words caused controversy.
Philip's casual remarks are not uncommon, sometimes humorous, sometimes astonishing.
The Queen loves and fears him, enjoying his humor but worrying about his willful behavior and speech.
Whether in diplomatic situations or daily life, he can always say something unexpected, bringing surprises and delights to the audience on the spot.
The Queen once advised him to be mindful of occasions and avoid unnecessary words, but apparently, he has not changed and remains himself.
In his decades-long royal life, Philip not only faced restrictions in action and speech but even in hobbies by the royal family.
He doesn't like politics or public activities, preferring freedom and art.
For example, he loves flying, but due to identity restrictions and safety considerations, it's difficult for him to pilot aircraft again.
Philip enjoys painting, but this hobby is not often shared with his wife because the Queen has heavy public duties and little time to accompany him.
Their identities destined their life paths, forcing them to follow established trajectories.
Although Prince Philip is filial and respects the Queen Mother very much, he always appears affectionate and polite when attending events, like a mother and son.
However, the Queen Mother did not have a good opinion of him, thinking he had not achieved much and often caused trouble for the royal family with his words and actions.
Philip believed that the Queen Mother was old and should enjoy family happiness rather than interfering in their family affairs.
Therefore, he once asked his children to use Mountbatten as their surname, which caused dissatisfaction with his mother-in-law, and even after the Queen Mother's death, they did not completely reconcile.
After losing the restraint of the Queen Mother, Philip became even more unrestrained.
He even wore traditional Scottish kilts without caring about his image, and even some indecent photos were taken by the media, embarrassing the Queen and the entire royal family.
However, he had no regrets about this, continuing to live and work at his own pace.
The Queen eventually chose to let go, as long as he did not make major mistakes, allowing him to develop freely.
The Queen and Prince Philip are not alike in hobbies and backgrounds.
Their marriage is not just a simple romantic love but a political alliance.
As a member of the royal family, Philip must accept public scrutiny and discussion, and his words and actions often become the focus of media attention.
Although Prince Philip has caused controversy in the royal family many times, his frankness and humor have made him one of the most individual and controversial members of the British royal family in history.
His life is full of legend, unwilling to compromise regardless of good or bad, always maintaining a unique personal style and attitude.
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