5 Poignant Facts About Prince Philip's Last Official Photo: The Final Portrait Of A Royal Era

The final official photograph of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, provides a poignant and intimate glimpse into the enduring partnership he shared with Queen Elizabeth II. Taken just a few months before his passing, this historic portrait captures the couple in a moment of quiet domesticity, a fitting symbol of their 73 years of marriage. As of today, December 18, 2025, the details surrounding this image remain a touching reminder of the longest-serving consort in British history.

The image, released by Buckingham Palace, quickly became one of the most significant royal photographs of the modern era, marking not only a monumental wedding anniversary but also serving as the public's last formal look at the Duke. It encapsulates the private life he cherished in his final years, away from the demanding spotlight of public duties.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: A Life Profile

Prince Philip was a towering figure in the history of the British monarchy, known for his long service, sharp wit, and dedication to the Queen. His life spanned nearly a century of global change and royal evolution.

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• Full Name: Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark (later Philip Mountbatten, then Duke of Edinburgh)
• Born: June 10, 1921, at Mon Repos, Corfu, Greece
• Parents: Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg
• Education: MacJannet American School (France), Salem School (Germany), Gordonstoun School (Scotland), Royal Naval College (Dartmouth)
• Military Service: Served with distinction in the Royal Navy during World War II, reaching the rank of Commander
• Marriage: Married Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) on November 20, 1947
• Children: King Charles III, Anne (Princess Royal), Prince Andrew (Duke of York), Prince Edward (Duke of Edinburgh)
• Retirement: Officially retired from solo public engagements on August 2, 2017
• Died: April 9, 2021, at Windsor Castle, just two months shy of his 100th birthday

1. The Context: A 73rd Wedding Anniversary Celebration

The last official photograph of Prince Philip was released to mark his and Queen Elizabeth II's 73rd wedding anniversary. This remarkable milestone was celebrated on November 20, 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The setting and timing are crucial to understanding the image's significance.

The Duke had officially retired from public duties in 2017, and the couple was spending the lockdown period together at Windsor Castle in what the press affectionately termed the "HMS Bubble." This period of isolation meant the anniversary was celebrated privately, making the decision to release a new portrait a special gesture to the public who had followed their relationship for decades.

The image showcases the couple sitting in the Oak Room at Windsor Castle, a location steeped in history but presented in a casual, warm light. They are seen looking through a large anniversary card made by their great-grandchildren, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. This detail instantly grounds the formal portrait in a personal, family context, highlighting their roles as grandparents and great-grandparents rather than just monarchs.

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2. The Setting: The Intimate Oak Room at Windsor Castle

Unlike many previous official portraits taken in grand state rooms, this final photograph was captured in the relatively smaller, more intimate Oak Room. This choice of location reflects the reality of their life in the "HMS Bubble" and Prince Philip's desire for privacy in his later years. The Oak Room, known for its rich wood paneling and historical ambiance, provided a cozy, domestic backdrop.

The photograph was taken by a member of the royal staff, not a high-profile, external photographer, further emphasizing the personal nature of the image. It shows the Queen wearing a pale blue double-wool crepe dress by Stewart Parvin, and Prince Philip in a simple grey suit, both looking relaxed and genuinely smiling. Their body language—sitting closely together and sharing a moment over the card—speaks volumes about their deep connection after more than seven decades of marriage.

3. The Last Known Public Sighting Before His Passing

While the November 2020 portrait is the last *official* photograph, Prince Philip was seen publicly a few times after that date, though not in a formal capacity. His final months were spent primarily at Windsor Castle, a period of quiet retirement he had long desired.

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In February and March 2021, the Duke was admitted to King Edward VII’s Hospital in London for a pre-existing heart condition and infection. He underwent a successful procedure but his hospital stay, which lasted nearly a month, was a major public concern. The last time the public saw him was on March 16, 2021, when he was discharged from the hospital and driven back to Windsor Castle. While this was not a posed photograph, the images captured by the press of him leaving the hospital were the final visuals of the Duke before his death on April 9, 2021.

4. The Final Solo Engagement: The Royal Marines Parade

To truly appreciate the final official photo, it is important to look back at his last official *solo* public engagement, which marked his retirement from royal duties. This took place on August 2, 2017.

The event was a parade at Buckingham Palace to mark the finale of the Royal Marines' 1664 Global Challenge, a series of endurance feats to raise money for charity. As Captain General of the Royal Marines—a title he held for 64 years—this was a fitting conclusion to his decades of service. The image from this event, showing him smiling and doffing his bowler hat to the crowd, represents the end of his active public life, allowing him to transition into the private life captured in his final official portrait.

5. An Enduring Legacy: Entities and Topical Authority

The story of Prince Philip's final photograph is intrinsically linked to numerous entities that define his life and the modern monarchy. The image itself serves as a historical document connecting key periods and places:

• The Oak Room: Symbolizes the domesticity of his final years at Windsor Castle.
• 73 Years: The unprecedented length of his marriage, highlighting his role as the longest-serving consort.
• The Great-Grandchildren's Card: A powerful reminder of his family legacy, which includes his grandsons Prince William and Prince Harry, and his great-grandchildren.
• HMS Bubble: The term for the secure household established at Windsor Castle during the pandemic, which allowed him to spend his final year alongside the Queen.
• Royal Marines: The organization that defined his final solo public act, underscoring his deep military connection that began with his service in the Royal Navy.

The final official portrait of Prince Philip is more than just a picture; it is a snapshot of history, capturing a private moment between two figures who shaped the 20th and 21st centuries. It stands as a powerful testament to duty, love, and a life lived in service, from his birth as Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark to his quiet passing at Windsor Castle.