Since The Queen's accession, The Duke of Edinburgh, who is Patron or President of some 800 organisations, has played a prominent part in many aspects of national life.

His special interests are in scientific and technological research and development, the encouragement of sport, the welfare of young people, and conservation and the environment.

There is hardly an aspect of the UK's industrial life with which Prince Philip is not familiar.

His Royal Highness has visited research stations and laboratories, coalmines and factories, engineering works and industrial plants - all with the aim of understanding, and contributing to the improvement of, British industrial life.

As Patron of the Industrial Society, he has sponsored six conferences on the Human Problems of Industrial Communities within the Commonwealth. He was President of the British Association for the Advancement of Science in 1952.

Prince Philip was the first President of World Wildlife Fund - UK (WWF) from its formation in 1961 to 1982, and International President of WWF (later the World Wide Fund for Nature) from 1981 to 1996. He is now President Emeritus of WWF.

The Duke of Edinburgh has served as Chancellor of the Universities of Cambridge (1976-), Edinburgh (1952-), Salford (1967-91) and Wales (1948-76). He is also a Life Governor of King's College, London and Patron of London Guildhall University.

The Prince took up polo while serving in Malta and played regularly until 1971. He has also represented Great Britain at several European and World four-in-hand Driving Championships. He was President of the International Equestrian Federation from 1964 to 1986.

The Duke is President of Central Council of Physical Recreation (CCPR), Admiral of the Royal Yacht Squadron, and has twice served as President of the Marylebone Cricket Club (the MCC). He is also Grand Master of the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators of the British Empire, and Master of Trinity House.

The Duke of Edinburgh accompanies The Queen on all her Commonwealth tours and State Visits overseas, as well as on tours and visits to all parts of the United Kingdom. He has also travelled abroad a great deal on his own account.

In 2005 His Royal Highness undertook over 350 engagements with The Queen and on his own in the UK and abroad.