Royal Watch News

Prince Philip becomes oldest royal male in history

Feb 26, 2013, 12:02 GMT

Prince Philip

Prince Philip has become the oldest male member of the British Royal Family in history.

The 91-year-old prince - who was created Duke of Edinburgh in 1947 by King George VI when he married the then Princess Elizabeth, now Queen Elizabeth II - already held the record for longest serving consort in British history and yesterday (25.02.13) added another achievement to his list of longevity.

Despite his advancing years and recent bout of ill health, Philip - who was created a Prince of the United Kingdom by his wife in 1960 - refuses to drop royal duties and has even taken on more despite advisers saying he should look to rest more.

Since marrying the queen, Philip has been by his wife's side as she has celebrated many achievements.

However, during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations last year, he was taken to hospital with a bladder infection and missed most of the festivities.

Although the duke is one of the longest lived members of the royal family in history, the queen's aunt, Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, takes the crown of the longest lived after passing away at the age of 102.

The Queen Mother lived until she was 101.