Prince Philip became a member of the British royal family when he married Queen Elizabeth in November 1947.
Prince Philip was born in Greece. But when Elizabeth became Queen after the death of her father, King George in 1952, Prince Philip did not become a king. He was instead named The Duke of Edinburgh.
THE RULES: In the United Kingdom, the male partner or the husband of the reigning monarch is called a Prince Consort, no matter what. Queen Victoria, whose reigning period was from 1837 to 1901, truly wanted to make her husband, Albert the King Consort. But it is said that the British government wouldn’t allow it.
This is because he was technically a foreigner. Instead, he was given the title of Prince Consort. But then if we see things based on their technicality, there is no automatic right to any title when marrying a reigning monarch.
Also read: Prince Philip & Queen Elizabeth – An untold love story.
It wasn’t until five years after Elizabeth’s succession to the throne that she made her husband, Philip a Prince of the United Kingdom. Since then he has never formally been designated as a Prince or King Consort title, which is purely symbolic anyway.
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A WIFE OF A KING NORMALLY DOES GET THE TITLE OF QUEEN.
But then, it too is only ceremonial. As we all know that Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon, the Queen Mother, became Queen Consort when George became King. Well, for your information this same rule will be applied to Kate Middleton, who will also earn the title when Prince William becomes King.
Exceptions are always there. An exception to this will also be made. This will happen when Prince Charles takes the throne. The Clarence House announced after their wedding that his wife, Camilla will be known as Princess Consort.
Also read: Prince Philip: From A Dashing Young Man In Uniform To Grandfather Of The Nation
Clarence House gave a statement saying:
“It is intended that Mrs Parker Bowles should use the title HRH The Princess Consort. This happens when the Prince of Wales, Charles accedes to the Throne. However, when the time comes, Charles will have the power to upgrade her title to Queen Consort.
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