This is the story of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh – the longest-serving consort to the longest-reigning sovereign in British history. It is an extraordinary story, told with unique insight and authority by an author who knew the prince for more than 40 years. 

Philip – elusive, complex, controversial, challenging, often humorous, sometimes irascible – is the man Elizabeth II once described as her ‘constant strength and guide’. Who was he? What was he really like? What is the truth about those ‘gaffes’ and the rumours of affairs? This is the final portrait of an unexpected and often much-misunderstood figure. It is also the portrait of a remarkable marriage that endured for more than 70 years. 

Philip and Elizabeth were both royal by birth, both great-great-grandchildren of Queen Victoria, but, in temperament and upbringing, they were two very different people. The Queen’s childhood was loving and secure, the Duke’s was turbulent; his grandfather assassinated, his father arrested, his family exiled, his parents separated when he was only 10. Elizabeth and Philip met as cousins in the 1930s. They married in 1947, aged 21 and 26. 

Philip: The Final Portrait tells the story of two contrasting lives, assesses the Duke of Edinburgh’s character and achievement, and explores the nature of his relationships with his wife, his children and their families – and with the press and public and those at court who were suspicious of him in the early days. This is a powerful, revealing and, ultimately, moving account of a long life and a remarkable royal partnership.

17hrs 41 mins | Listened to over 1.5 weeks

I have spent the last few weeks listening to a 17hr 49min audiobook entitled “Philip – The Final Portrait”, written and narrated by Gyles Brandreth. Gyles has perhaps, one of the most calming narration voices. This has been my constant companion on my work commute and my ‘eye opener focus’ when tackling spreadsheets at work.

I suppose the question to start with would be am I a royalist? I suppose I am. I like the royal family. I enjoy hearing about them and value what they do. I like being part of one of the few countries remaining with a monarchy.

Prince Philip is; however, you look at him, an interesting character. As with many in the public’s eye, there is much curiosity and false news as there is actual fact and knowledge. I have only known and seen Prince Philip in his later life and while I was aware of elements of his younger life, I lacked the detail or truth of what his life had been like.

The audiobook has 14 chapters, and it covers the following topics:

• Philip.
• Lilibet.
• Philip and Lilibet.
• Elizabeth and Philip.
• The Queen and the Duke.
• Ma and Pa.
• Philip and Elizabeth.
• Elizabeth alone.

You would be quite foolish to think that all of the above were repetitions of the same two people, because they aren’t. This audiobook is as much about Philip’s life as it is about Elizabeth, but it is told from the very beginning to the very end, tackling fake news, offering new titbits, but overall affording the listener a genuine picture of Prince Philip.

Gyles has a way with words and as he narrates, we get moments added of talks with Philip while writing this book, and of personal conversations he had with Prince Philip. It adds an amusing and warming layer to the overall piece.

I think, more so than celebrities, the public puts the royal family on a pedestal so high that it is terrible difficult to stand upon it. As children we all read the stories of princes and princesses and might fancy be being one. But in truth, the role is more complex and consuming than a child might imagine.

The royal family has been a focal point for my time in this world thus far and I would hate to live in the United Kingdom without it because I believe we’d be losing something so special and rare that to lose it would be a great travesty.

Despite wanting to make a significant headway with my audiobook library, I’ve just added more books! However, I was very determined when I started to listen to this that I wanted to finish it. This audiobook gave me great insight into a person that had a very fulfilling and often falsely recorded life, so learning about him outside of the context of fake news and the British press was incredibly rewarding.

At times when I was with my parents, I even found my mum willing to listen to this but also get involved in what was being said and having a positive reaction to it.

There is no doubt in my mind that Philip was a mischievous fellow with strong opinions but through this listen I’ve also learned of his home values and public values as well as discovering what a kind-hearted and quiet man he was.

At finishing this audiobook I feel both joyful and serene and have come away with a better understanding of Prince Philip than I did going in.

I give this audiobook: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐