Let’s take a moment to appreciate the incredible life and career of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. After embarking on 637 solo overseas trips, delivering 5,493 speeches, and authoring an impressive 14 books, the 96-year-old decided it was time to step back. In August 2017, Prince Philip officially retired from royal duties, which he humorously referred to as "ribbon cutting." Fast forward to December 11, 2017, and Queen Elizabeth's beloved husband has graced us with a striking new portrait, unveiled by the royal family.
Introducing the New Portrait: A Tribute to Prince Philip's Legacy
As the world watched, the royal family shared a captivating new portrait of His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, captured during his final year of public engagements. This stunning piece, crafted by the talented Australian-born artist Ralph Heimans, has been specially commissioned for display at the Museum of National History at Frederiksborg Castle in Denmark. The museum is set to host a retrospective exhibition of Heimans' work in 2018, which will explore the deep historical and cultural ties between the Royal Families of Great Britain and Denmark.
View this post on InstagramA new portrait of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, painted in the year of his retirement from public engagements, has been released today. The portrait, by Australian born artist Ralph Heimans, has been produced for display at the Museum of National History at Frederiksborg Castle in Denmark. The Museum is holding a retrospective exhibition of Mr Heimans’ work in 2018, part of which aims to explore the historical and cultural connections between the Royal Families of Great Britain and Denmark. In the portrait, set in The Grand Corridor at Windsor Castle, The Duke of Edinburgh is depicted wearing the sash of the Order of the Elephant, Denmark’s highest-ranking honour.
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Set against the grandeur of The Grand Corridor at Windsor Castle, the portrait captures Prince Philip wearing the prestigious sash of the Order of the Elephant, Denmark’s highest honor. Fans across the globe couldn’t help but express their admiration for the portrait, marveling at how youthful and vibrant Philip appears, even at the age of 96.
Life After Retirement: Prince Philip's New Normal
Since his retirement earlier that summer, Prince Philip has embraced a life filled with leisure and personal pursuits. He now resides at Wood Farm, nestled within the royal family's Sandringham estate. While this new chapter allows him to enjoy life at his own pace, it also means he spends less time with his beloved wife, Queen Elizabeth. However, this change comes with her full support and blessing.
A close friend of the royal couple revealed to the Daily Mail that Philip is savoring this new phase of life. "He is enjoying reading things he’s always wanted to read and gets up to what he wants without an equerry telling him he has to be elsewhere, or a camera following him," the source shared. The father of four relishes the simplicity of life in a cottage, indulging in hobbies such as painting watercolors, writing letters, and inviting friends over for visits.
For Philip, this retirement signifies more than just stepping away from official duties. It represents an opportunity to focus on personal interests and passions, something he hasn’t had the luxury of doing for much of his life. The house, which recently underwent a kitchen renovation, serves as a cozy retreat where Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip can enjoy moments of normalcy, away from the public eye.
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The Queen's Perspective: Missing Her Partner
While Queen Elizabeth wholeheartedly supports her husband’s decision to retire, she does miss his presence. For decades, the couple shared breakfast together every morning, a cherished tradition that now feels different. The Queen, now 91, finds herself sitting alone during these quiet mornings, rarely seen before her daily 11 a.m. meeting with her private secretary.
An insider shared with the Daily Mail, "The Queen feels the Duke has earned a proper retirement. She knows him too well — if he was still at the center of royal life he’d feel he had to be involved. Being at Wood Farm means he’s not too far away, but far enough to be able to relax." Though she understands his need for space, the Queen undoubtedly feels the absence of her lifelong partner.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
Family members have stepped up to ensure the Queen doesn’t feel lonely. Princess Anne and Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, have increased their visits, while a "granny rota" has been established to ensure the Queen’s grandchildren are present, especially during teatime. Together, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, marking a remarkable journey filled with love and commitment. Let’s hope this new phase in their lives strengthens their bond even further.
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Parts of this post were written by Chloe Lal. It originally appeared on our sister site, NowToLove.com.
