Prince Philip was publicly known for his straightforward, no-nonsense demeanour and his physical strength, as a former officer and commander in the Royal Navy. His love for carriage driving in his later years further reinforced this image.
However, behind closed doors, the Duke of Edinburgh had a softer side, particularly when it came to his hobbies. One such hobby allowed him to create beautiful gifts for his wife, the late Queen Elizabeth, on special occasions: designing jewellery.
According to British Vogue, Philip designed a brooch for the late Queen early in their relationship, modelled after his naval badge - a sentimental tribute to their shared experiences. He also crafted an engagement ring for the then Princess Elizabeth from a tiara that belonged to his mother.
On their wedding day, he gifted her a stunning bracelet made from the remaining tiara diamonds. The late Queen was often seen wearing it throughout her life, and more recently, reports suggest that Princess Kate has been spotted borrowing it.
For their fifth wedding anniversary, Philip crafted a deeply symbolic piece for the late monarch, filled with representations of their shared history and individual lives.
British Vogue explains: "The bracelet features Philip's Naval badge in diamonds surrounded by two sapphire crosses, perhaps representing the Greek flag," and "A ruby cross, perhaps representing the flag of England, is flanked by two roses of York symbolising the Queen's first title as Princess Elizabeth of York. All of these symbols are connected by gold links in the shape of interlocking Es and Ps."
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This was one way that Philip revealed his tender side, expressing his profound love for his wife, about whom he reportedly wrote to the Queen Mother: "Lilibet is the only 'thing' in the world which is absolutely real to me, and my ambition is to weld the two of us into a new combined existence that will not only be able to withstand the shocks directed at us, but will also have a positive existence for the good."
Despite his sporting pursuits, Philip was deeply invested in the arts, even establishing awards for designers during his time as Prince Consort.
But this wasn't his only artistic pastime, he was also a dedicated painter and famously painted an intimate portrait of his wife eating breakfast - many of his artworks are held by the Royal Collection Trust.
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