📸 In Pictures: The life of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

He served in the Royal Navy during World War II and became the longest-serving consort in British history; HRH The Duke of Edinburgh led a full and important life

During the Second World War, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh served as a First Lieutenant in the Royal Navy. He was on board HMS Whelp, which was present in Tokyo Bay when the Japanese signed the surrender on 2 September 1945. He left the Royal Navy in 1952 to support Her Majesty The Queen in her royal duties but remained closely connected to the military throughout his life.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh has always had a close connection with the UK Armed Forces.

Married to Her Majesty The Queen for 73 years, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh was the longest-serving consort in British history.

A consort is a companion, usually a spouse of a reigning monarch.

• In Pictures: Gun Salutes mark the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

Take a look back at some moments throughout HRH The Duke of Edinburgh’s life👇

*Photos are not in chronological order

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and Her Majesty The Queen are pictured onboard HMS Endurance reviewing the multinational fleet in 2005 as the Royal Navy celebrated Trafalgar Bicentennial Year.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and Her Majesty The Queen at RAF Valley with Flight Lieutenant Wales following a tour of the UK Military Flying Training School (UKMFTS).

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh has always maintained a close relationship with the Armed Forces.

Her Majesty The Queen pictured with HRH The Duke of Edinburgh during the Diamond Jubilee Muster Parade.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and Her Majesty The Queen are pictured leaving Buckingham Palace.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh waves to crowds whilst onboard the Royal Barge, the Spirit of Chartwell.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle on 09 April at the age of 99.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh takes the Royal Salute.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh during a presentation of a new banner to the Army Cadet Force.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh pictured in 1953 as Her Majesty The Queen arrives to unveil the Air Forces Memorial.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and Her Majesty The Queen were married for 73 years.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and members of the Royal Family admire the flypast of aircraft over Buckingham Palace to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain in July 2015.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh refuels his Harvard training aircraft during flying training in 1953.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh left the Royal Navy in 1952 to support Her Majesty The Queen with her Royal duties but remained close to the Armed Forces throughout his life.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh pictured during Her Majesty The Queen’s birthday parade in 2011.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh pictured in 1953 attending the Coldstream Guards Sergeants Mess.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh pictured in 2017 at the Grenadier Guards Black Sunday.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh remains an inspiration to today’s sailors, marines, soldiers and air personnel in the Armed Forces.

Find out where else the UK Armed Forces are deployed here👇