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Philip

The Final Portrait - The instant Sunday Times bestselling biography of the late Duke of Edinburgh and his life with the Queen

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Philip

By: Gyles Brandreth
Narrated by: Gyles Brandreth
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About this listen

 The authoritative biography of Prince Philip, the late husband of Queen Elizabeth II, their marriage and their legacy.

'It is a beautifully written book about a unique and extraordinary man. I have read many other books about Philip but this is the best.' - DAILY EXPRESS

This is the story of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh - the longest-serving consort to the longest-reigning sovereign in British history. It is an extraordinary story, told with unique insight and authority by an author who knew the prince for more than forty years.

Philip - elusive, complex, controversial, challenging, often humorous, sometimes irascible - is the man Elizabeth II once described as her 'constant strength and guide'. Who was he? What was he really like? What is the truth about those 'gaffes' and the rumours of affairs? This is the final portrait of an unexpected and often much-misunderstood figure. It is also the portrait of a remarkable marriage that endured for more than seventy years.

Philip and Elizabeth were both royal by birth, both great-great-grandchildren of Queen Victoria, but, in temperament and upbringing, they were two very different people. The Queen's childhood was loving and secure, the Duke's was turbulent; his grandfather assassinated, his father arrested, his family exiled, his parents separated when he was only ten. Elizabeth and Philip met as cousins in the 1930s. They married in 1947, aged twenty-one and twenty-six.

Philip: The Final Portrait tells the story of two contrasting lives, assesses the Duke of Edinburgh's character and achievement, and explores the nature of his relationships with his wife, his children and their families - and with the press and public and those at court who were suspicious of him in the early days. This is a powerful, revealing and, ultimately, moving account of a long life and a remarkable royal partnership.

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CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR PHILIP:

'Gloriously witty and incisive' - Daily Mail

'It's bloody brilliant, totally inspiring ... it's a joy to read a book that comes from a perspective of fondness. There are whole pages I want to read to the kids and stick to the fridge.' - KIRSTIE ALLSOPP, THE TIMES

'As a sparkling celebration of Prince Philip, the book will be hard to beat' - THE TELEGRAPH

'Brandreth explores a temperament on the brink of anger and agitation with immense tact, even affection.' - THE SPECTATOR

'This affectionate biography of Prince Philip is stuffed with entertaining anecdotes ... so readable and refreshing even after the millions of words that have been written about Prince Philip in the past couple of weeks.' - THE TIMES

'Brilliant... there is so much in this book you won't find anywhere else.' - LORRAINE

'A stately, respectful and joyful tribute. It is an extraordinary story, told with unique insight and authority by an author who knew him for more than 40 years.' - EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS

'A warm, affectionate portrait of the much-missed Duke ... a rich source of insights and anecdotes.' - SAGA MAGAZINE©2021 Gyles Brandreth Entertainment & Celebrities Europe Great Britain Politics & Activism Royalty Marriage Inspiring Witty Thought-Provoking
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This is quite the most brilliant book I have ever read, or heard in my case. It was so well written, and beautifully read by Gyles who has such a lovely voice. He told it as it was, honestly and succinctly. I loved it.

Brilliant

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No nonsense pragmatic and straightforward. Phillip was to be admired and respected for all he achieved and his determination and consistency…. Before his time and I loved this book. Knowing he read the draft and only corrected factual discrepancies indicates his acceptance of himself and he could take criticism… Harry should read this book !

Such an amazing life of service

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Giles has pulled it of again an informative and very entertaining read. It was sobering to realise that the later interviews with Phillip took place when Phillip must have know he was very near death. May he rest in peace and May his family’s hearts be at ease, although I get the impression they all appreciated what a fun character the had the good fortune to know.

A Great Read

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What a wonderful book, you can tell the author really loves and respects Phillip but doesn’t fall into pure sycophancy and doesn’t hold back (well maybe a bit)!on his less pleasant side

Just as great listen

Thoughtful, insightful and kind

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A very interesting listen, about the incredible life of the Duke of Edinburgh, and the supportive role to the Queen he has bestowed.

a very interesting listen

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