Here's the scoop: Prince Philip has been standing by Queen Elizabeth's side for nearly seven decades, so it's no surprise that royal fans are scratching their heads and wondering why he's not King. Let me break it down for you in a way that makes sense.

Under British law, it's a bit of a double standard. Women typically take the feminine version of their husband's title, but the same rule doesn't apply to men. Now, here's the kicker—Prince Philip wasn't just some guy before he married the Queen. He was born into royalty, but not the British kind. Back in 1921, he entered the world as a member of the Greek and Danish royal families, holding the title of Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark. So, he already had royal blood running through his veins, just not from the British side of things.

prince philip queen elizabeth getty images

This is Elizabeth and Philip on their wedding day back in 1947. Picture-perfect, right?

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From Prince Philip to Duke of Edinburgh

When Philip married Elizabeth in 1947, he didn’t just walk down the aisle—he made some big changes to his identity. With King George VI's blessing, he dropped his original name and adopted the surname Mountbatten, inspired by his maternal grandparents. Just before the wedding bells rang, he was given the title of Duke of Edinburgh. Fast forward to 1957, and he officially became a Prince of the United Kingdom, restoring his royal status thanks to the love and support of his wife of nearly 70 years.

What Happens Next in the Royal Line?

When the time comes, and Queen Elizabeth passes away, the crown will pass to their son, Prince Charles, who will be crowned King at the age of 69. His wife, Camilla, will then take the title of Queen. After that, the spotlight will shine on Prince William and Kate Middleton, who will step into the roles of King and Queen. It’s a royal family tradition that keeps on rolling!

Prince Philip's Retirement: A Quiet Exit

Back in May, Buckingham Palace dropped a bombshell: Prince Philip announced his retirement from public duties. Starting last September, the 97-year-old gracefully stepped back from royal events. In a statement, the palace said, "His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has decided that he will no longer carry out public engagements from the autumn of this year. In taking this decision, The Duke has the full support of The Queen." The statement went on to explain that Prince Philip would still attend previously scheduled events up until August, both solo and alongside the Queen. However, he wouldn't be accepting new invitations moving forward, though he might pop up at certain public events from time to time.

Since the announcement, royal fans have noticed Philip making fewer appearances, especially after his hip surgery. One thing's for sure—we all miss him dearly!

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