Prince Philip’s life underwent a profound transformation when Queen Elizabeth ascended to the British throne following her father’s demise in 1952. Overnight, the Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away on Friday, transitioned from being a Naval officer and a young husband to a man expected to perform royal duties and defer to his wife in the public eye—all under the title of Prince Consort rather than King of England.
Upon marrying the Queen, Prince Philip relinquished his title as Prince of Greece and Denmark to become the Duke of Edinburgh. However, when Queen Elizabeth took the throne, Philip did not become the King of England, due to a longstanding rule in the royal family which stipulates that a man who marries a reigning queen will only be referred to as a Prince Consort.
Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh, were pictured on their honeymoon in Romsey, Hampshire, in November 1947, examining their wedding photographs. The image captures a significant moment in British royal history.

The husband of a reigning queen is traditionally known as a Prince Consort, as the title of King is reserved for a monarch who inherits the throne and can reign. Consequently, the title of King will pass to Prince Charles upon his succession to the throne after Queen Elizabeth II.
In 1957, Philip, then known solely as the Duke of Edinburgh, was officially granted the title of Prince by Queen Elizabeth. This decision, famously depicted in the Netflix series The Crown, followed a dispute regarding Philip’s importance and standing within the royal household.
Women marrying into the royal family are subject to specific protocols regarding their titles and roles. The wife of a reigning King assumes the title of Queen Consort, which is a symbolic position that does not grant her the authority to rule as a monarch, but she is referred to as Queen. For instance, when Prince William ascends the throne, Kate Middleton is expected to become Queen Catherine, although she will not hold the power to govern as the ruling Queen. The Queen Consort’s primary responsibilities are ceremonial and supportive in nature, rather than exercising direct governance.