In Pics | Life of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and husband to Queen Elizabeth II, passed away on Friday at the age of 99. From his career in the Royal Navy during World War II to being Queen Elizabeth's dutiful consort who helped modernise the British monarchy, Prince Philip might be best remembered for his gruff public persona.

Prince Philippos of Greece and Denmark was born on a kitchen table in Corfu. Aged 18 months, he was spirited out of Greece in an orange box when his uncle king Constantine I was forced to abdicate. Credit: Getty Images

The husband of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, passed away on Friday aged 99. Credit: AFP Photo

Philip joined the Royal Naval College at Dartmouth as a cadet in 1939. He served in warships during World War II, was mentioned in dispatches, took part in the Allied landings in Sicily and was in Tokyo Bay when Japan surrendered in 1945. Credit: Getty Images

Philip married princess Elizabeth in 1947, 2 years after the war. Having renounced his Greek and Danish titles, he was made the Duke of Edinburgh shortly before his wedding. Credit: Getty Images

Philip was forced to abandon his naval career in 1952 after the death of King George VI and the ascension of Princess Elizabeth to the throne. Credit: AFP Photo

In 1956, Philip launched the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme, designed to teach youngsters self-reliance and public service. Credit: Reuters Photo

Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1997. In a rare public tribute, she said,

In 2009, Prince Philip became the longest-serving royal consort in British history, overtaking queen Charlotte, the wife of king George III. Credit: Getty Images

In August 2017, Prince Philip retired from active public life altogether. Asked whether he felt he had been a success in his role, he gave a typically phlegmatic response.