The Plot To Make Prince Philip King | The Political Origins Of The Royal Love Match | Real Royalty

Real Royalty31 minutes read

Prince Philip's marriage to Queen Elizabeth faced opposition due to his background and German connections, with Lord Louis Mountbatten playing a pivotal role in orchestrating the union. Despite initial challenges and tensions, Philip adapted to his sidelined role in the royal family, leading to a compromise where non-royal descendants are known as Mountbatten-Windsor.

Insights

  • Prince Philip's marriage to Queen Elizabeth II, orchestrated by Lord Louis Mountbatten, faced opposition due to his German connections and family history, shaping his tumultuous relationship with the royal family and the challenges he encountered.
  • Mountbatten's influence in guiding Philip towards a naval career and his marriage to Elizabeth, along with his dynastic ambitions, caused tensions within the royal family, leading to a compromise where non-royal descendants bear the name Mountbatten-Windsor, highlighting the intricate power dynamics and personal struggles within the monarchy.

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Recent questions

  • What challenges did Prince Philip face in his early life?

    Prince Philip faced challenges as a young man due to being seen as an outsider with dubious German connections, causing tension and hostility. His Greek birth and Danish-German ancestry raised questions and challenges, especially during his childhood marked by exile and family trauma. His mother's mental illness, father's abandonment, and eventual boarding school education in Britain under Lord Louis Mountbatten's guidance contributed to the tumultuous nature of his upbringing.

  • Who played a significant role in orchestrating Prince Philip's marriage to Queen Elizabeth?

    Lord Louis Mountbatten, Philip's uncle, played a significant role in orchestrating Philip's marriage to the future Queen Elizabeth, driven by ambition. Mountbatten strategically guided Philip towards a naval career and his eventual meeting with Princess Elizabeth, setting the stage for their future relationship. His influence and support were instrumental in overcoming opposition and doubts from various quarters, including politicians and royal family members.

  • How did Prince Philip's family history impact his relationship with the royal family?

    The complex dynamics of Philip's family history, including his sisters' marriages to Germans and connections to Nazi figures, added layers of complexity to his relationship with the royal family and Princess Elizabeth. His sisters' ties to Germans and his own German connections raised suspicions and concerns, especially during a time when World War II had just ended. These historical ties created tensions and uncertainties within the royal family, affecting Philip's standing and acceptance.

  • What role did Queen Elizabeth play in Prince Philip's life?

    Queen Elizabeth was initially hostile to Philip's German connections due to her brother's death in WWI, which influenced her views on the matter. Despite this initial skepticism, she eventually married Prince Philip, showing her willingness to overcome past prejudices. The Queen's support and acceptance of Philip played a crucial role in shaping his life and position within the royal family, highlighting the strength of their bond and partnership.

  • How did Prince Philip adapt to his sidelined role within the royal family?

    Despite feeling excluded and emasculated at times, Prince Philip adapted to his sidelined role within the royal family. An unexpected compromise in 1960 led to non-royal descendants being known as Mountbatten-Windsor, a decision that pleased the Queen but caused tension in the royal family. Philip's ability to navigate these challenges and find a middle ground showcased his resilience and commitment to his role as a supportive husband to the Queen, despite the complexities and tensions that arose.

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Summary

00:00

Prince Philip's Crucial Role in British Monarchy

  • Prince Philip, a key figure in British history for nearly 70 years, has been by the Queen's side, with their marriage being crucial to the monarchy.
  • Prince Philip faced challenges as a young man due to being seen as an outsider with dubious German connections, causing tension and hostility.
  • Lord Louis Mountbatten, Philip's uncle, played a significant role in orchestrating Philip's marriage to the future Queen Elizabeth, driven by ambition.
  • The marriage between Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip in 1947 faced opposition and doubts from various quarters, including politicians and royal family members.
  • Louis Mountbatten and his wife, Edwina, were influential figures in Philip's life, with Louis being instrumental in the marriage and viewing it as a personal triumph.
  • Philip's background, including his Greek birth and Danish-German ancestry, raised questions and challenges, especially during his childhood marked by exile and family trauma.
  • Philip's upbringing was tumultuous, with his mother's mental illness, his father's abandonment, and his eventual boarding school education in Britain under Mountbatten's guidance.
  • Louis Mountbatten strategically guided Philip towards a naval career and his eventual meeting with Princess Elizabeth, setting the stage for their future relationship.
  • Philip's naval service during World War II and his growing bond with Princess Elizabeth, despite initial reservations from her family, laid the foundation for their future marriage.
  • The complex dynamics of Philip's family history, including his sisters' marriages to Germans and connections to Nazi figures, added layers of complexity to his relationship with the royal family and Princess Elizabeth.

20:17

"Prince Raina's Nazi past and royal marriage"

  • Prince Raina's parents attended Guring's wedding where Philip's sister Sophia was photographed with Hitler.
  • Prince Raina's father was an SS Colonel and head of a Nazi intelligence agency.
  • Prince Raina has grappled with his family's Nazi past throughout his life.
  • Queen Elizabeth was hostile to Philip's German connections due to her brother's death in WWI.
  • Prince Philip's uncle, Mountbatten, supported his marriage to Princess Elizabeth.
  • Mountbatten believed a marriage between Philip and Elizabeth would be beneficial.
  • King George initially opposed Philip and Elizabeth's marriage, wanting a delay.
  • Philip proposed to Elizabeth at Balmoral, winning her heart despite family opposition.
  • Philip faced challenges with the royal family due to his political views and background.
  • Mountbatten's influence and potential role in the royal family caused tensions and fears.

39:11

Royal Family Drama: Philip's Name Dilemma

  • Prince Philip faced uncertainties about his role after the King's death, with his career ending abruptly, and he had to give up everything to become a full-time husband to the Queen.
  • Mountbatten, expressing dynastic ambitions, caused shock by suggesting the Windsor Dynasty change to Mountbatten, leading to Queen Mary's strong opposition and Churchill's intervention to maintain the Windsor name.
  • The Queen, torn between her husband and political pressure, ultimately followed advice to keep the Windsor name, causing Philip's frustration as he couldn't give his name to his children.
  • Despite feeling excluded and emasculated, Prince Philip adapted to his sidelined role, with an unexpected compromise in 1960 leading to non-royal descendants being known as Mountbatten-Windsor, a decision that pleased the Queen but caused tension in the royal family.
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