Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was born on June 10, 1921, in Corfu, Greece. But what many people don't know is that he was actually born on the kitchen table of his family's villa, rather than in a hospital like most other babies. This unique birthplace has become a well-known part of the royal family's history, and it all started with the birth of Prince Philip.Prince Philip's Birth on the Kitchen Table: The Story Behind the Royal Tradition
Prince Philip's parents, Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg, were living in a villa on the Greek island of Corfu at the time of his birth. The couple already had four daughters, and they were excited to welcome their first son into the world. However, their joy was overshadowed by political unrest in Greece and the ongoing Greco-Turkish War. With the family's safety in jeopardy, Princess Alice's mother, Princess Victoria of Hesse and by Rhine, sent a telegram to her daughter, urging her to leave Greece and seek refuge in her home country of England. Princess Alice, who was eight months pregnant at the time, decided to follow her mother's advice and left for England with her children.The Birth of a Prince
Despite the tense political situation, Princess Alice's labor began unexpectedly on the night of June 10, 1921. With no time to make it to a hospital, the family's doctor, George Stamboulidis, delivered the baby boy on the kitchen table of the villa. According to reports, the only light in the room came from a single candle. Prince Philip's birth on the kitchen table was a significant event not only because of its unusual location but also because he was the first male heir to the Greek throne in over 50 years. However, just a few months later, the Greek monarchy was abolished, and the family was exiled from the country. They eventually settled in Paris, where Prince Philip spent most of his childhood.A Unique Birthplace
Despite his tumultuous start in life, Prince Philip went on to have a successful military career and became a dedicated member of the British royal family when he married Queen Elizabeth II in 1947. Throughout his life, he maintained a strong connection to his Greek heritage, and his birth on the kitchen table became a cherished part of the royal family's history. Prince Philip's unique birthplace has also become somewhat of a tradition in the royal family. His son, Prince Charles, was also born at home, although not on a kitchen table. And most recently, Prince William's three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, were all born at home in the Lindo Wing of St. Mary's Hospital in London.A Royal Tradition
In 2011, Prince Philip visited the island of Corfu for the first time since his birth. He was given a tour of his family's former villa and even sat at the same kitchen table where he was born. The event was a poignant moment for the Duke of Edinburgh and highlighted the significance of his birthplace in his life. Today, Prince Philip's birth on the kitchen table is a beloved part of the royal family's history, and it continues to be remembered and celebrated by many. It serves as a reminder of the strong ties between the Greek and British royal families and the enduring legacy of the Duke of Edinburgh.The Legacy of Prince Philip
The story of Prince Philip's birth on the kitchen table is a unique and fascinating part of the royal family's history. It showcases the strength and resilience of the young prince and his family during a challenging time and has become a beloved tradition in the royal family. Prince Philip's legacy will live on, and his birthplace will always be a cherished part of his story.In Conclusion