HRH Prince Philip and HM Queen Elizabeth were married on 20th November 1947 at Westminster Abbey. It was an occasion watched by millions. View the highlights:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/events/elizabeth_iis_wedding
He served in the Royal Navy until the HM Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953. Just before Prince Philip married, he was given the title Duke of Edinburgh; and he was formally made a prince in 1957. He has remained loyal to her, demonstrating a remarkable humility. In November 2017 they will have been married 70 years. He turns 96 years old on 10th June 2017.
From Wikipedia:
‘After her accession to the throne, the Queen also announced that the Duke was to have “place, pre-eminence and precedence” next to her “on all occasions and in all meetings, except where otherwise provided by Act of Parliament”. This meant the Duke took precedence over his son, the Prince of Wales, except, officially, in the British parliament. In fact, however, he attends Parliament only when escorting the Queen for the annual State Opening of Parliament, where he walks and sits beside her.’
Prince Philip is beside his wife, on most occasions, as a great support for her. In a speech on her Golden wedding, she talked of Prince Philip as her ‘constant love and help’.
See the speech transcript: royal.uk
Prince Philip’s retirement from public duties has been announced recently and will take effect from the summer of 2017.
Pray:
‘The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honour to his name.’ Psalm 23:1-3
Lord Jesus, I pray that you would be with His Royal Highness Prince Philip today. Thank you for his life and commitment to his wife, work and family. With his unique role as Consort to Queen Elizabeth, be his strength. Lord, the way he has put his wife’s needs and role first since Elizabeth was crowned is astounding. Now Lord, as they consider a different rhythm and pattern to their roles and routines, I pray that they would know how to balance each others’ needs in their marriage. As The Queen continues to travel, daily read over state papers and meet a host of people each week, give her good quality time to spend with Prince Philip.
As he continues with his public duties for the next couple of months, I pray that you would sustain him for each appointment, conversation and event that has been scheduled. Be over his diary as he considers each one, possibly counting down the weeks until he can rest more. Anticipating retirement from his duties, I pray that you would give him a sustained period of rest in his body, mind and soul, just as Psalm 23 talks of. He has earned his retirement, Lord, and he needs it. Make it a good time for him.
His retirement means that many of his family will take up the roles and responsibilities he has taken on over the years. Lord they need your help with this. As decisions are made about the organisations and patronages that he has held for many years, grant grace and insight to those deciding the future. Assist Royal family members to know how to honour him and his service as they do this.
I ask all these things in Your name, Jesus,
Amen.