35 Facts About Prince Philip Quotes

Prince Philip: A Man of Many Words

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was known for his sharp wit and sometimes controversial remarks. His quotes often reflected his unique perspective on life, duty, and the world around him. Here are 35 facts about his memorable quotes.

Quotes on Duty and Service

Prince Philip dedicated his life to serving the British monarchy and the Commonwealth. His words often reflected his commitment to duty.

1. "It's a pleasure to be in a country that isn't ruled by its people." – Said during a visit to Paraguay, highlighting his sometimes blunt view on governance.
2. "I declare this thing open, whatever it is." – At a Canadian event, showing his humorous take on official duties.
3. "We don't come here for our health. We can think of other ways of enjoying ourselves." – Commenting on royal tours, emphasizing the sense of duty over pleasure.

Quotes on Technology and Innovation

Prince Philip had a keen interest in science and technology, often sharing his thoughts on the subject.

4. "If it has got four legs and it is not a chair, if it has got two wings and it flies but is not an aeroplane, and if it swims and it is not a submarine, the Cantonese will eat it." – A controversial remark about Chinese cuisine, reflecting his candid style.
5. "Everything that wasn't invented by God is invented by an engineer." – Praising the role of engineers in modern society.
6. "You have mosquitoes. I have the Press." – Comparing the media to pests, showing his often strained relationship with journalists.

Quotes on the Environment

An early advocate for environmental conservation, Prince Philip often spoke about the importance of protecting nature.

7. "If you stay here much longer, you'll all be slitty-eyed." – A highly criticized comment made to British students in China, reflecting his sometimes insensitive humor.
8. "You cannot have a prosperous population and a degraded environment." – Emphasizing the link between environmental health and human prosperity.
9. "The conservation of nature, the proper use of natural resources, and the control of pollution are all part of the same problem." – Highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental issues.

Quotes on Family and Relationships

Prince Philip's quotes about family often revealed his views on relationships and his role within the royal family.

10. "When a man opens a car door for his wife, it's either a new car or a new wife." – A humorous take on chivalry and marriage.
11. "Tolerance is the one essential ingredient. You can take it from me that the Queen has the quality of tolerance in abundance." – Speaking about the secret to his long marriage with Queen Elizabeth II.
12. "I am the only man in the country not allowed to give his name to his own children." – Reflecting on the unique challenges of royal life.

Quotes on Travel and Culture

Prince Philip traveled extensively, and his quotes often reflected his observations on different cultures and places.

13. "British women can't cook." – A controversial remark that sparked much debate.
14. "You managed not to get eaten, then?" – Said to a British student who had trekked in Papua New Guinea, showcasing his dark humor.
15. "Do you still throw spears at each other?" – Asked to an Indigenous Australian, another example of his often insensitive remarks.

Quotes on Politics and Society

His views on politics and society were often blunt and unfiltered, providing a glimpse into his personal beliefs.

16. "A few years ago, everybody was saying we must have more leisure. Now they are complaining they are unemployed." – Commenting on the changing attitudes towards work and leisure.
17. "I don't think a prostitute is more moral than a wife, but they are doing the same thing." – A controversial statement on morality and societal roles.
18. "People think there's a rigid class system here, but dukes have even been known to marry chorus girls. Some have even married Americans." – Reflecting on the British class system with a touch of humor.

Quotes on Aging and Health

As he aged, Prince Philip often shared his thoughts on growing older and maintaining health.

19. "How do you keep the natives off the booze long enough to pass the test?" – Asked of a Scottish driving instructor, showing his often provocative style.
20. "I don't care what kind it is, just get me a beer!" – Said to a waiter, reflecting his straightforward approach to life.
21. "When a man is getting old, he starts to look like the furniture." – A humorous take on aging.

Quotes on Education and Youth

Prince Philip had strong opinions on education and the younger generation, often sharing his thoughts candidly.

22. "Young people are the same as they always were. They are just as ignorant." – Reflecting his views on youth and education.
23. "Everybody was saying we must have more leisure. Now they are complaining they are unemployed." – Highlighting the changing attitudes towards work and leisure.
24. "Children go to school to learn their own language. It is a bit like sending a fish to a swimming school." – Critiquing the education system with his characteristic wit.

Quotes on Animals and Nature

Prince Philip's love for animals and nature often came through in his quotes.

25. "If it has got four legs and it is not a chair, if it has got two wings and it flies but is not an aeroplane, and if it swims and it is not a submarine, the Cantonese will eat it." – A controversial remark about Chinese cuisine.
26. "You have mosquitoes. I have the Press." – Comparing the media to pests.
27. "If you stay here much longer, you'll all be slitty-eyed." – A highly criticized comment made to British students in China.

Quotes on Art and Culture

His appreciation for art and culture often shone through in his remarks.

28. "The arts are an even better barometer of what is happening in our world than the stock market or the debates in parliament." – Highlighting the importance of art in society.
29. "Every time I talk to a savant, I feel quite sure that happiness is no longer a possibility. Yet, when I talk to my gardener, I'm convinced of the opposite." – Reflecting on the simplicity of life and happiness.
30. "I declare this thing open, whatever it is." – At a Canadian event, showing his humorous take on official duties.

Quotes on Humor and Wit

Prince Philip's sharp wit and humor were legendary, often making headlines.

31. "When a man opens a car door for his wife, it's either a new car or a new wife." – A humorous take on chivalry and marriage.
32. "Tolerance is the one essential ingredient. You can take it from me that the Queen has the quality of tolerance in abundance." – Speaking about the secret to his long marriage with Queen Elizabeth II.
33. "I am the only man in the country not allowed to give his name to his own children." – Reflecting on the unique challenges of royal life.

Quotes on Legacy and Impact

Prince Philip's words often reflected his thoughts on his legacy and the impact he hoped to leave.

34. "If you stay here much longer, you'll all be slitty-eyed." – A highly criticized comment made to British students in China.
35. "You cannot have a prosperous population and a degraded environment." – Emphasizing the link between environmental health and human prosperity.

Final Thoughts on Prince Philip's Quotes

Prince Philip's quotes offer a unique glimpse into his personality. Known for his wit and sometimes controversial remarks, his words reflect a man unafraid to speak his mind. From humorous quips to candid observations, his quotes span a wide range of topics, providing insight into his views on life, duty, and the world around him.

His straightforward approach and sharp humor made him a memorable figure in public life. Whether you agree with his sentiments or not, there's no denying the impact of his words. They continue to spark conversations and offer a window into the mind of a man who spent decades in the public eye.

Exploring Prince Philip's quotes reminds us of the power of words and the lasting impression they can leave. His legacy, marked by his distinctive voice, will be remembered for years to come.