Watch Prince Philip: 70 Years of Service

Prince Philip: 70 Years of Service is a documentary film that takes a deep dive into the life of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. The movie premiered in 2017 and is directed by Ashley Gething. Prince Philip is widely known as the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, but this movie sheds light on the long and storied career of this fascinating man who, at 96 years old, retired from royal duties in 2017.

The movie starts with a historical look at Prince Philip’s early life in Greece and his family’s exile to France. It’s revealed how Prince Philip’s mother, father, and siblings all struggled with mental illness, and that hardship was a constant in his childhood. After finishing school in Germany and traveling Europe extensively, Prince Philip decided to join the British Royal Navy, quickly rising through the ranks and seeing action in World War II. Using archive footage and interviews with military historians, Prince Philip’s wartime experiences are vividly brought to life, giving audiences an exciting and insightful glimpse into a defining moment in history.

One of the most interesting parts of the film is the focus on Prince Philip’s decades-long career as the Queen’s consort. As the Queen’s husband, he played a vital role in the British monarchy, serving as a constant support system for his wife, taking on over 22,000 solo engagements, and acting as a global ambassador for Britain. The film delves into the challenges he faced and discusses how he has used his privileged position in society to make positive changes in the world, including founding the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which has since inspired millions of young people to achieve their goals.

To add a personal touch to the documentary, Prince Philip’s family, including his children Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward, all sit down for interviews, sharing their own insights into the Duke’s character and telling stories from their family’s unique perspective. These interviews are intercut with rare footage of Prince Philip engaging in his royal duties, providing a fuller picture of his character, both in the public eye and behind closed doors.

The movie also touches on Prince Philip’s sometimes contentious relationship with the media. Known for his sharp wit and sometimes controversial remarks, the prince has occasionally caused a stir with comments that some deem inappropriate. The film doesn’t shy away from this aspect of the prince’s character and examines how his sense of humor has sometimes put him in hot water.

Overall, Prince Philip: 70 Years of Service is a fascinating look at the life of one of the 20th century’s most important figures. The film provides a window into the workings of the British monarchy, while also exploring the character of Prince Philip himself, from his adventurous childhood to his many accomplishments and contributions to society. If you’re a fan of the royal family or simply interested in the history of the 20th century, this documentary is a must-see.