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The Duke: 100 Chapters in the Life of Prince Philip
The Archbishop of Canterbury called him 'bloody rude', courtiers feared he was 'a foreign interloper out for the goodies', daughter-in-law Sarah Ferguson found him 'very frightening' and the Queen Mother labelled him 'the Hun'. Journalists have continually portrayed him as a gaffe-prone serial philanderer, with European outlets going way off-piste and claiming he has fathered 24 illegitimate children. Prince Philip says 'the impression the public has got is unfair', though there is no self-serving autobiography and his interviews with broadcasters or writers are done grudgingly. The Duke sets out to explore the man behind the various myths, drawing on interviews with relations, friends and courtiers and the Duke's own words. It brings to life some rare aspects of his character, from a love of poetry and religion to his fondness for Duke Ellington and his fascination with UFOs. It also explains why for over seven decades he has been the Queen's 'strength and stay' – and why he is regarded by many as a national treasure.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2021
130 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
Ian Lloyd
68 books3 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Ian Lloyd has been a professional writer and photographer for nearly two decades, producing illustrated articles for Britain’s leading newspapers and magazines, as well as syndicating material to over 30 countries.
During this period he has photographed every member of the Royal Family as well as iconic figures from Nelson Mandela and Elizabeth Taylor to the Dalai Lama.
Ian was born in Lymm, Cheshire. He has a degree in Medieval and Modern History from the University of Nottingham as well as diplomas in photography, management and bookselling.
After graduating he became a retail manager for Blackwell’s, the prestigious Oxford-based bookselling group, going on to become Training Officer for the group’s 70 shops.
Ian Lloyd has been a professional writer and photographer for nearly two decades, producing illustrated articles for Britain’s leading newspapers and magazines, as well as syndicating material to over 30 countries.
During this period he has photographed every member of the Royal Family as well as iconic figures from Nelson Mandela and Elizabeth Taylor to the Dalai Lama.
Ian was born in Lymm, Cheshire. He has a degree in Medieval and Modern History from the University of Nottingham as well as diplomas in photography, management and bookselling.
After graduating he became a retail manager for Blackwell’s, the prestigious Oxford-based bookselling group, going on to become Training Officer for the group’s 70 shops.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 30, 2022
Decent enough little book
I read this book primarily due to my interest in the Netflix series, “The Crown”. The series presented Prince Philip as probably the most interesting character in the Royal family. This book has some interesting tid bits about him.,
I read this book primarily due to my interest in the Netflix series, “The Crown”. The series presented Prince Philip as probably the most interesting character in the Royal family. This book has some interesting tid bits about him.,
June 10, 2021
Today would be Prince Philip’s 100th birthday. Time for a book about the prince: The Duke- 100 Chapters in the Life of Prince Philip. The book is not a biography, but rather a summary of facts. Facts generally unknown to the public. A book published on the occasion of Philip’s 100th birthday. Sadly the Duke of Edinburgh passed away last April. That makes the book feels more like an in looking back on his life.
The Book gives the reader an idea of the man behind the headlines. The book gives many details such as that The Queen is the most traveled person in the world in history. That means more than 116 countries. His incredible dedication and sense of responsibility to a role and job, nobody asked for. The book contains one hundred remarkable statements of Prince Philip. Statements that often made the press. Prince Philip always saying what he was thinking at that moment.
You could also describe the book as a kind of Wikipedia. This provides a brief overview of his military awards. A list of his alleged mistresses (of which there is no evidence whatsoever). The Duke of Edinburgh had a busy life. He not only the prince consort, and be just always there for The Queen. He was also busy with the many organizations of which he was a patron. The book also contains a brief overview of these organizations.
The author often uses existing books and sources for the 100 chapters of this book. There is a list of these at the back of the book. The book also highlights the bond the prince would have had with Diana. We also can read about the period of Diana’s death and the care of William and Harry.
The book is easy to read. It provides wonderful new insights into the life of the Duke of Edinburgh. The chapters are not too long. The book looks well taken care of. For example, the monogram of Prince Philip regularly appears with a new chapter. Of course, photos are also included in the book.
Although it is not a biography, it is well worth reading. It gives us a view in the overcrowded and fascinating life of the longest-living Prince consort. The book would therefore not be out of place on the bookshelf of the Royalty enthusiast.
The Book gives the reader an idea of the man behind the headlines. The book gives many details such as that The Queen is the most traveled person in the world in history. That means more than 116 countries. His incredible dedication and sense of responsibility to a role and job, nobody asked for. The book contains one hundred remarkable statements of Prince Philip. Statements that often made the press. Prince Philip always saying what he was thinking at that moment.
You could also describe the book as a kind of Wikipedia. This provides a brief overview of his military awards. A list of his alleged mistresses (of which there is no evidence whatsoever). The Duke of Edinburgh had a busy life. He not only the prince consort, and be just always there for The Queen. He was also busy with the many organizations of which he was a patron. The book also contains a brief overview of these organizations.
The author often uses existing books and sources for the 100 chapters of this book. There is a list of these at the back of the book. The book also highlights the bond the prince would have had with Diana. We also can read about the period of Diana’s death and the care of William and Harry.
The book is easy to read. It provides wonderful new insights into the life of the Duke of Edinburgh. The chapters are not too long. The book looks well taken care of. For example, the monogram of Prince Philip regularly appears with a new chapter. Of course, photos are also included in the book.
Although it is not a biography, it is well worth reading. It gives us a view in the overcrowded and fascinating life of the longest-living Prince consort. The book would therefore not be out of place on the bookshelf of the Royalty enthusiast.
July 12, 2021
Most biographies are written with a particular point of view or agenda. “The Duke: 100 Chapters In The Life of Prince Philip”, by Ian Lloyd, is no exception. It’s not a conventional bio, but rather one spread over 100 chapters. The chapters follow a certain timeline, but the book was published before his death this spring.
Ian Lloyd talks about Philip’s life from the position of a being a fan of the prince. He discounts the gossip of Philip’s alleged unfaithfulness of his marriage. It’s all unsubstantiated rumors, according to Lloyd. Lloyd bends himself into a pretzel defending Philip’s often louche behavior. The book really doesn’t reveal much of the Duke’s almost century on earth. If you’re a longtime reader of British royal biographies, as I am, you won’t necessarily learn much, but neither will you be bored. He’s a good writer.
The only problem I had with the book was that I found two mistakes in the text. I certainly wasn’t reading to find errors, but these two rather popped out at me. One was the misspelling of Princess Diana’s father’s name as “Johnny”, rather than the correct “Johnnie”. The other was the wrong year for the date of the Pan Am bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland. They’re not important errors, but the fact that I found them, means there might be other errors in the text.
Ian Lloyd talks about Philip’s life from the position of a being a fan of the prince. He discounts the gossip of Philip’s alleged unfaithfulness of his marriage. It’s all unsubstantiated rumors, according to Lloyd. Lloyd bends himself into a pretzel defending Philip’s often louche behavior. The book really doesn’t reveal much of the Duke’s almost century on earth. If you’re a longtime reader of British royal biographies, as I am, you won’t necessarily learn much, but neither will you be bored. He’s a good writer.
The only problem I had with the book was that I found two mistakes in the text. I certainly wasn’t reading to find errors, but these two rather popped out at me. One was the misspelling of Princess Diana’s father’s name as “Johnny”, rather than the correct “Johnnie”. The other was the wrong year for the date of the Pan Am bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland. They’re not important errors, but the fact that I found them, means there might be other errors in the text.
April 22, 2021
Long live the senile aristocrat exempt from taxes. And maybe the widow will send some lucrative contracts in the direction of the humble servant. Or at least hire some of Lloyd's nephews as Royal Latrine Cleaner or something.
September 11, 2021
The book was actually published before his death earlier this year. It was soothing to read about Prince Philip’s life in the present tense, as if he were still alive.
☀️
This volume tells of the late Prince in one hundred entertaining chapters all about his life and his personality, as well as his quirks and his unique sense of humour. Even though every chapter focusses on something different, together it paints a very wholesome picture of the late Duke of Edinburgh.
✨
The most surprising and insightful chapters were those dedicated to his relationships with his family, particularly with his wife the Queen and his eldest son - it was particularly curious to read up on their family life after having seen ‘The Crown’.
💫
I was always intrigued by Prince Philip, long before he became fictionalised in television. Now after having read his biography, I am a bigger fan still.
⭐️
The country’s foremost almost-centenarian was truly a living legend: a unique personality living an extraordinary life in exceptional circumstances. I can’t wait to read another book about him.
☀️
This volume tells of the late Prince in one hundred entertaining chapters all about his life and his personality, as well as his quirks and his unique sense of humour. Even though every chapter focusses on something different, together it paints a very wholesome picture of the late Duke of Edinburgh.
✨
The most surprising and insightful chapters were those dedicated to his relationships with his family, particularly with his wife the Queen and his eldest son - it was particularly curious to read up on their family life after having seen ‘The Crown’.
💫
I was always intrigued by Prince Philip, long before he became fictionalised in television. Now after having read his biography, I am a bigger fan still.
⭐️
The country’s foremost almost-centenarian was truly a living legend: a unique personality living an extraordinary life in exceptional circumstances. I can’t wait to read another book about him.
December 11, 2025
This is a an entertaining book, essentially it is 100 chapters, some barely more than a snippet telling various stories and anecdotes about Prince Philip. A man of wide interests and of interest he is a far more rounded and appealing character than some would have who delight in his gaffs as evidence of racism or other outmoded behaviour. He was a product of his times, had a "good" war and while some of his comments and behaviour wouldn`t stand scrutiny now he has to be seen in the context of the period. He was the later Queens undoubted rock and loyally served the country for decades. Some of the stories are amusing, some interesting, a few are odd but all serve to form an overall impression of a brave and loyal man.
Recommended
Recommended
April 11, 2021
One step up from Wikipedia, but just the one
If you need more than the dry, terse Wikipedia biography of Prince Philip, then this is it. But don’t expect any real detail or colour. Lloyd is prone to frequent fawning, and you are often left wondering about the missing detail.
It’s an easy 100 chapters: War and Peace this isn’t.
Think of it as a taster to decide whether you are prepared to fork out for a real biography of the man (most of which are listed at the end).
If you need more than the dry, terse Wikipedia biography of Prince Philip, then this is it. But don’t expect any real detail or colour. Lloyd is prone to frequent fawning, and you are often left wondering about the missing detail.
It’s an easy 100 chapters: War and Peace this isn’t.
Think of it as a taster to decide whether you are prepared to fork out for a real biography of the man (most of which are listed at the end).
April 16, 2021
This is a brilliant biography of Prince Philip in 100 chapters probably released to celebrate his upcoming birthday but I read it for its poignancy after his recent death as I wanted to get an idea of the man behind the headlines who never wanted to cater to the press for fear of taking away from his wife Queen Elizabeth II. His incredible dedication and sense of responsibility to a role and/or job that bar the occasional mistake, error or gaff has been pretty successful in being a supportive helpmeet to the Queen is shown through the short chapters in how he has helped the Queen to form the modern royal family, his sometimes interesting way of looking at things and his innovative ways of modernising the whole idea of monarchy and royalty.
July 25, 2021
Fabulous Insights and Vignettes
Having just read Hugo Vicker's book about his mother, Alice, Princess Andrew of Greece, this followed on beautifully. The chapters are short and focus on one aspect at a time. Very readable and often humorous. What a character and so much more than his negative foot in mouth stories. It makes you like and admire the man, especially his devoted support of the Queen.
Having just read Hugo Vicker's book about his mother, Alice, Princess Andrew of Greece, this followed on beautifully. The chapters are short and focus on one aspect at a time. Very readable and often humorous. What a character and so much more than his negative foot in mouth stories. It makes you like and admire the man, especially his devoted support of the Queen.
February 23, 2021
This is a fantastic highlight-style biography of the Duke of Edinburgh. It hits all of the crucial moments in his life, but also allows us to see some of those "hidden" or ignored episodes that aren't often discussed. Lloyd emphasises the Duke's service record and just how hard he works- an impressive life of service to the Crown and to his wife!
January 10, 2022
DELIGHTFUL PORTRAIT OF THE QUEEN’s husband
Prince Phillip was a man who spoke out unabashedly and actually had a habit of being too truthful in his banters and meeting people.. very amusing …but he was a man of principle and devoted to his wife and the roles they both had to live .. a very enjoyable read.
Prince Phillip was a man who spoke out unabashedly and actually had a habit of being too truthful in his banters and meeting people.. very amusing …but he was a man of principle and devoted to his wife and the roles they both had to live .. a very enjoyable read.
July 20, 2025
100 chapters, topics might be a better word, about Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh.
Watching The Crown for a second time and I was interested in his early life. I got some but it was very confusing! He evidently had more royalty in his blood line than Elizabeth.
Throughout the book would be a chapter on 10 gaffes equaling 100. He put his foot in his mouth quite often!
A nice lazy read.
Watching The Crown for a second time and I was interested in his early life. I got some but it was very confusing! He evidently had more royalty in his blood line than Elizabeth.
Throughout the book would be a chapter on 10 gaffes equaling 100. He put his foot in his mouth quite often!
A nice lazy read.
April 11, 2021
This is a great read. Shows the whole man and pulls no punches. It’s a book I will refer to time and again.
November 6, 2021
Lovely book about a fascinating and complex man
December 15, 2021
I thought this would be 101 surface facts on Prince Philip but it was extremely well researched and very in-depth. Highly recommend.
July 6, 2022
Interesting snippets from the life of Prince Philip. Definitely not a typical Royal and his family history is quite eye-opening.
September 28, 2022
For the love and obsession I have for the royals…this was a fascinating read on Prince Philip’s life. From every angle, and at times controversial, things we didn’t know about the Duke.
August 31, 2021
interesting at times, but will not recommend
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews