New photo marks Duke of Edinburgh's 99th birthday

The Duke of Edinburgh is celebrating his 99th birthday as a new photograph was released to mark the occasion.

Philip and the Queen were pictured posing in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

The photograph is the first public image of the Duke since he was seen leaving a private hospital on Christmas Eve last year, following a four-night admission for treatment relating to an undisclosed but “pre-existing condition”.

In the birthday picture, taken last week in the castle’s quadrangle, the Queen is wearing a bright floral dress and the Cullinan V heart-shaped diamond brooch, while Philip, with his hands clasped behind his back, looks smart in a blazer, shirt and tie, and grey trousers.

The Duke is the longest serving consort in British history and also the oldest serving partner of a reigning monarch.

In a rare public message issued in April, Philip praised those tackling the coronavirus pandemic across the UK and keeping essential services running.

The comments, his first major statement since retiring in 2017, also recognised the “vital and urgent” medical and scientific work taking place.

Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark was born on the island of Corfu on June 10 1921 to Prince Andrew of Greece and Princess Alice of Battenberg.

His early years were marked by upheaval after the family went into exile following a military coup in Greece which overthrew Philip’s uncle, King Constantine I.

He moved to England to stay with relatives and study at Cheam Prep School in 1928, before spending a year at Salem School in south Germany, then finally enrolling at Gordonstoun School in Morayshire.

Philip went on to join the Royal Navy and, while a cadet, he caught the eye of a 13-year-old Princess Elizabeth.

He served with distinction during the Second World War and his friendship with the princess grew into love. They married two years after the end of the war.

Within five years, George VI had died and Princess Elizabeth had become Queen.