We at Imperial War Museums (IWM) were deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and would like to express our condolences to all his family.

Prince Philip served in the Royal Navy and saw active service during the Second World War. In November 1947, he married Princess Elizabeth.

His naval career came to end following his wife’s accession to the throne in 1952, when he became consort. Speaking as they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, the Queen paid tribute to his contributions to his wife, family and country.

‘He is someone who doesn't take easily to compliments but he has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know.’

We share here images of the Duke of Edinburgh from IWM’s collections.  

A condolence book is available on the website of the Royal Family. 

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, KG, in the uniform of a Commander, Royal Navy, takes a Royal Salute during his visit to Malta.

The Duke of Edinburgh in the uniform of a Commander, Royal Navy, takes a Royal Salute during his visit to Malta in 1952.  © IWM A 32405

HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh arriving on board HMS GLASGOW, Flagship of Admiral the Earl Mountbatten of Burma.

Her Majesty The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh arrive on board HMS Glasgow, Flagship of Admiral the Earl Mountbatten of Burma, on May 5 1954. © IWM A 32939

His Royal Highness at the Penguin Rookery Base W latitude 67 south, Longitude 67 west, east of Adelaide Island.

In January 1957, The Duke of Edinburgh was photographed at a Penguin Rookery Base on his Antarctic tour on the Royal Yacht Britannia. © IWM A 33698 

In April 1960, on a visit to Malta, The Duke of Edinburgh watched an anti-submarine exercise from the bridge of the frigate HMS Eastbourne.

In April 1960, on a visit to Malta, The Duke of Edinburgh watched an anti-submarine exercise from the bridge of the frigate HMS Eastbourne. © IWM A 34293

The Duke of Edinburgh photographed on board HMS Belfast

In 2002, the Duke of Edinburgh officially opened IWM North in Salford and in 2010, he attended the dedication of HMS Belfast’s new masts where he met fellow veterans of the Royal Navy and invited guests.

The Duke of Edinburgh served as First Lieutenant on HMS Whelp, which was present in Tokyo Bay on 2 September 1945 when Japan formally surrendered, bringing the Second World War to an end.

60 years later, he visited IWM to participate in an event commemorating Victory over Japan Day alongside other veterans.