Prince Philip celebrated his Danish roots with a new portrait released on Monday (11.12.17).
The 96-year-old royal was painted by artist Ralph Heimans in the Grand Corridor at Windsor Castle, wearing the sash of the Order of the Elephant, which is the highest-ranking honour Denmark can offer.
Heimans said: "I feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to paint Prince Philip and hope the portrait does justice to his unique character. Aesthetically, the natural light and heritage backdrop of the Grand Corridor at Windsor Castle provided a compelling mood. I hope people enjoy the work as much as I enjoyed producing it. I hope the portrait does justice to his unique character."
Prince Philip was born a Prince of Denmark and a Prince of Greece but he became a British subject in the 1940s. His grandfather was a Prince of Denmark whilst his great grandfather served as King Christian IX of Denmark in the 1800s.
The painting will be displayed at the Museum of National History at Frederiksborg Castle in Denmark next year as part of an exhibition of Heimans’ work. It will then be moved to the UK in the latter months of 2018.
Prince Philip decided this year to retire from public engagements.
The official announcement at the time read: "His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has decided that he will no longer carry out public engagements from the autumn of this year. In taking this decision. Prince Philip will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August, both individually and accompanying The Queen. Thereafter, The Duke will not be accepting new invitations for visits and engagements. Although he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time."
Prince Philip’s new portrait
