XN000022-1975-03-18 — Page 9

In July 1947, the engagement of Lieutenant Mountbatten to Princess

Elizabeth was announced. The marringe took place in Westminster Abbey on

November 20. Shortly before, King George VI created the bridegroom Duke of

Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth and Baron Greenwich and a Knight of the Garter,

and authorised his use of the prefix "His Royal Highness".

Since the accession of the Queen, the Duke has played an outstanding

part in the nation's life. He holds many important service appointments and

acts as patron or president of a large number of organisations of national

significance.

He interests himself in scientific and technological research and

development, in the encouragement of sport, the welfare of young people, and

in the conservation and the state of the environment.

The Duke is a Privy Councillor.

In September 1952, the Queen

declared by Royal Warrant that he had "place, pre-eminence and precedence11

next to herself on all occasions and in all meetings, except where otherwise

provided by Act of Parliament.

In February 1957, it was announced that the Queen had granted to

the Duke the style and dignity of a Prince of the United Kingdom, and that

he should in future be known as "The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh".

The Duke has accompanied the queen on all her Commonwealth tours

and state visits overseas since her accession as well as on tours and visite

to all parts of the United Kingdom, and on his own account has visited a

number of overseas countries.