Why wasnt Prince Philip called king?

A husband but never a king Prince Philip — who he was, what he did and why he mattered

Why wasnt Prince Philip called king? Photo

He spent seven decades in the shadow of his wife, the UKs Queen Elizabeth II - but his force of personality meant he would never be simply a professional spouse.

First things first: The Duke, also known as Prince Philip, was never in line for the throne - which his eldest son stands to inherit - and never held the title of king.

Thats because in the UK, a woman who marries the monarch can use the ceremonial title of queen - but men who marry the monarch cant use the title king, which can only be used by male sovereigns.

Royal biographer Ingrid Seward quotes Prince Andrew as saying of his childhood: "Compassion comes from the Queen. And the duty and discipline comes from him."

He was born on 10 June 1921 on the Greek island of Corfu, the youngest child and only son of Prince Andrew of Greece and Princess Alice of Battenberg.

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