The young prince went on to spend his formative years in France, Germany, and England.

As fate would have it, a chance meeting with thirteen-year-old Elizabeth Windsor in 1939 would later blossom into love and end in marriage. About four years after their wedding, Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II - Queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Prince Philip, her consort. Their seventy-three-year marriage made him the longest-serving consort of the British monarch.

Today we honour the life of a man who selflessly gave up his titles and rightful place as heir to the Greek throne, to serve Queen Elizabeth II and her 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..." said the Queen during her 20 November 1997 Golden Wedding anniversary speech.

Former US President, Barack Obama tweeted: Through his extraordinary example, His Royal Highness Prince Philip proved that true partnership has room for both ambition and selflessness all in service of something greater. Our thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen, the Royal Family, and the British people.

Pastor Agu Irukwu, Senior Pastor of Jesus House offered his condolences to the Queen in a video message saying: Our thoughts and prayers here at Jesus House are with her Majesty and the Royal Family as they go through this period, mourning the death of someone we here hold in the highest regard, appreciating his distinguished service to this nation.

Written by Akosua DF, Premier Gospel Presenter

Almost one hundred years ago on the Greek island of Corfu, a son was born to Royals; Prince Andrew of Greece and Princess Alice of Battenberg. The youngest of five children, Philippos Andreou of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderberg-Glcksburg was only eighteen months old when his family were exiled from Greece.