A number of exhibitions are set to be opened this summer to commemorate the life and legacy of the late Duke of Edinburgh entitled ‘Prince Philip: A Celebration’. The exhibitions are set to be displayed at Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The exhibition will open at Windsor Castle on 24 June and at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on 23 July. Whilst the two exhibitions are separate, they will be linked to mark significant events and achievements of Britain’s longest-serving consort featuring a total of more than 150 objects.
The Coronation Robe and Coronet worn by HRH is set to be on display at Windsor Castle. © RCT/QEII
The exhibition is set to explore Philip’s early life and career in the navy, his role as consort as well as support of The Queen both in the UK and in the wider world. The displays will focus on HRH’s range of patronages and associations, and his impact on the younger generations.
A highlight of the display at Windsor Castle will be a section devoted to Prince Philip’s role in The Queen’s coronation of 1953. His Royal Highness had a key role in the coronation as he chaired the Coronation Committee and was a key influence in the decision to broadcast parts of the service live on television.
The coronation robe and coronet worn by Prince Philip during the service will be on display, along with his Chair of Estate which is usually located in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace.
Prince Philip’s chair of estate will be on view at Windsor in the exhibition to mark Philip’s life © RCT/QEII
George A Weymouth’s portrait of the Prince will also feature at the castle; it shows the Duke standing in the shell of St George’s Hall after the 1992 Windsor fire, holding a roll of floorplans.
Philip won the Europa Nostra Award for his efforts to conserve the most damaged parts of Windsor Castle.
The portrait of Philip shows him with plans after the Windsor Castle fire © RCT/QEII
His body lay in the private chapel near to where the fire began before his funeral.
The Duke of Edinburgh passed away at Windsor Castle on April 9th aged 99. Members of the Royal Family paid tribute to the Duke leading up to the funeral, including The Duke of Cambridge, The Prince of Wales and The Earl and Countess and Wessex.
The display at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, meanwhile, will feature a section about Prince Philip’s early life and naval career.
The exhibition will feature ‘The Prince’s Midshipman’s log book’ from 1940-1941, where he describes his time on the HMS Valiant. Of course, the Royal served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, and was mentioned in dispatches for his efforts.
![[Midshipman's log]](https://www.rct.uk/sites/default/files/styles/rctr-scale-1300-500/public/collection-online/f/d/177237-1306236039.jpg?itok=HNcyOcQv)
‘The Prince’s Midshipman’s log book’ will be on display at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. (© RCT/QEII)
Another section will feature items from his wedding to HRH The Princess Elizabeth in 1947, including a copy of the wedding invitation, order of service and wedding breakfast menu.
The Queen and Prince Philip were together for 73 years before he passed away, marking their anniversary with a photo at Windsor reading a card from their great-grandchildren.
Wedding breakfast menu for Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1947 ©RCT/QEII
It was on their wedding day Philip was granted the royal Dukedom of Edinburgh, and the display will focus on his close connections to Scotland and Edinburgh.
