Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, died on 9th April 2021, aged 99.
As the longest-serving consort in British history – married to Her Majesty the Queen for 73 years – Prince Philip has been depicted in portraiture across the national public collection that celebrates his strong partnership with the monarch, his commitment to education, and his long connection with the Royal Navy.
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Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh 1983
Leicester-born Bryan Organ, one of Britain's leading portrait painters, is known for his work painting famous faces. In his portrait of the duke, Organ captures the sitter face-on, with a direct and confident expression. The warm, soft blues of the background and Prince Philip's simple navy suit help to emphasise his face and hands.
The artist, Bryan Organ, is godfather to the duke's grandson, Prince Harry.
Bryan Organ (b.1935)
Acrylic on canvas
H 127 x W 127 cm
National Portrait Gallery, London
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Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh 1987
Prince Philip married Princess Elizabeth five years before she became Queen. They met whilst she visited Dartmouth's Royal Naval College. Prince Philip's family had a long connection to the navy, and he had a great passion for the sea and sailing. He finished his career in the navy to support Elizabeth II in her royal duties.
Tim Graham worked as a royal photographer for over 30 years.
Tim Graham (b.1948)
C-type colour print
H 50.1 x W 39.8 cm
National Portrait Gallery, London
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The Duke of Edinburgh (1921–2021) 1962
Prince Philip received a great many titles, decorations and honorary appointments during his lifetime, including Admiral of the Fleet, RN, and Lord High Admiral of the United Kingdom.
On his wedding day in 1947, George VI created him 'Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich of Greenwich in the County of London'.
Denis Fildes (1889–1974)
Oil on canvas
H 140 x W 104 cm
Britannia Royal Naval College
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Visit of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh to the Department of Engineering, 13 November 1952
In this painting by Terence Cuneo, the hugely prolific painter who obtained many royal commissions, the Duke of Edinburgh is shown visiting the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge. Prince Philip was Chancellor at the University from 1976 to 2011.
Terence Tenison Cuneo (1907–1996)
Oil on canvas
H 100 x W 124 cm
Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge
© reproduced with kind permission of the Cuneo estate / Bridgeman Images. Image credit: Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge
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HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh 2007
Prince Philip joined the Royal Navy as a cadet in 1939 and, by the age of 21, he was commissioned Lieutenant. The year he became Commander saw the ascension of Elizabeth II to the throne and the end of Prince Philip's active service career, however he maintained close links with the Royal Navy. He was a Trustee of the National Maritime Museum, and this portrait was commissioned to commemorate the 60th anniversary of his close association with the Museum.
The artist Richard Stone has painted portraits of the royal family for more than four decades.
Richard Stone (b.1951)
Oil on canvas
H 202.3 x W 101.5 cm
National Maritime Museum
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HRH Prince Philip (1921–2021), Duke of Edinburgh, College Patron (1955) 1958
The Duke of Edinburgh was a huge supporter of education. He acted as patron to around 800 organisations, mainly focussed on education, the environment and sport.
Prince Philip founded the Duke of Edinburgh award in 1956. Since then, over eight million young people worldwide have participated in the scheme to improve their skills and fitness, and volunteer for good causes.
William Oliphant Hutchison (1889–1970)
Oil on canvas
H 124 x W 99.8 cm
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
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Prince Philip (1921–2021), Duke of Edinburgh 1979
Franta Belsky, who sculpted this textured bronze head of Prince Philip, was born in what was Czechoslovakia in 1921. He is known for large public works of art as well as sculptures depicting Winston Churchill. Belsky also made a statue of Lord Louis Mountbatten – Prince Philip's uncle – that stands in Horse Guards Parade in London.
Franta Belsky (1921–2000)
Bronze
H 32.1 cm
National Portrait Gallery, London
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Prince Philip (1921–2021), HRH the Duke of Edinburgh 2003
A portrait was commissioned by the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) to mark the 50th anniversary of Prince Philip’s presidency. The selected artist, Stuart Pearson Wright, visited Prince Philip at Buckingham Palace for several sittings. The initial work painted imposed bare shoulders and chest on the prince, with a perched bluebottle, and cress sprouting out the Prince's finger.
Prince Philip was apparently not a fan of the original work (reputedly uttering 'Godzooks!' when he saw it). The RSA accepted this shortened version instead, only showing his face with an elongated neck.
Stuart Pearson Wright (b.1975)
Oil on linen
H 41 x W 25 cm
Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce
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HRH Prince Philip (1921–2021), Duke of Edinburgh 1976
The list of Duke of Edinburgh's achievements and titles are significantly numerous – this 1976 bust commemorates his position as the ceremonial head of the Royal Marines (1953–2017). Even in his 90s, the prince continued to attend a great many functions and ceremonies.
The Queen said about her husband, in 1997: 'He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years...'
John Doubleday (b.1947)
H 71 x W 51 x D 28 cm
Royal Marines Museum
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HRH The Duke of Edinburgh (1921–2021) c.1952
Prince Philip is survived by Her Majesty the Queen and their four children, Charles, Prince of Wales, Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. The Duke of Edinburgh had eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Denis Fildes (1889–1974)
Oil on canvas
H 124.5 x W 91.5 cm
The Gurkha Museum