The Archbishop of Canterbury called him ‘bloody rude’, courtiers feared he was ‘a foreign interloper out for the goodies’, daughter-in-law Sarah Ferguson found him ‘very frightening’ and the Queen Mother labelled him ‘the Hun’. Journalists have continually portrayed him as a gaffe-prone serial philanderer, with European outlets going way off-piste and claiming he has fathered 24 illegitimate children. Prince Philip says ‘the impression the public has got is unfair’, though there is no self-serving autobiography and his interviews with broadcasters or writers are done grudgingly. The Duke sets out to explore the man behind the various myths, drawing on interviews with relations, friends and courtiers and the Duke's own words. It brings to life some rare aspects of his character, from a love of poetry and religion to his fondness for Duke Ellington and his fascination with UFOs. It also explains why for over seven decades he has been the Queen's ‘strength and stay’ – and why he is regarded by many as a national treasure.

'Witty and well-researched' Daily Express
'A fascinating profile' Daily Telegraph

For seven decades the Duke of Edinburgh was the Queen’s ‘strength and stay’, far surpassing the predictions of courtiers who had feared ‘a foreign interloper out for the goodies’. Journalists continually portrayed him as bluff and gaffe-prone – yet the letters he wrote in private show he had a kind and sensitive side. Drawing on extensive interviews with those who knew him best, The Duke reveals the man in all his endlessly fascinating contradictions. While tracing his characteristic self-reliance back to a difficult childhood and six years’ war service, Ian Lloyd highlights some rare aspects of the royal consort’s personality – from his fondness for Duke Ellington to his fascination with UFOs. The result is a portrait like no other, and a rich tribute to Prince Philip’s remarkable life and legacy.

With an updated final chapter on Prince Philip's funeral, legacy and the future of the monarchy without him

'Witty and well-researched' Daily Express
'A fascinating profile' Daily Telegraph

For seven decades the Duke of Edinburgh was the Queen’s ‘strength and stay’, far surpassing the predictions of courtiers who had feared ‘a foreign interloper out for the goodies’. Journalists continually portrayed him as bluff and gaffe-prone – yet the letters he wrote in private show he had a kind and sensitive side. Drawing on extensive interviews with those who knew him best, The Duke reveals the man in all his endlessly fascinating contradictions. While tracing his characteristic self-reliance back to a difficult childhood and six years’ war service, Ian Lloyd highlights some rare aspects of the royal consort’s personality – from his fondness for Duke Ellington to his fascination with UFOs. The result is a portrait like no other, and a rich tribute to Prince Philip’s extraordinary life and legacy.

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Jaunty, fun and informative ... a multifaceted account