The Duke of Edinburgh starts his working day by reading a cross-section of correspondence and scanning the daily British newspapers. Every letter is replied to by a member of Prince Philip’s office, although for over 20 years HRH has used his own computer for writing letters and speeches.

The Duke will often see his Private Secretary or Equerry to discuss matters relating to either the day ahead or plans for his official diary.

If he is not accompanying The Queen on engagements, Prince Philip will either hold a series of official meetings, called ‘audiences’, or undertake his own engagements.

The Duke takes great personal interest in organisations with which he has an association. He will see representatives including those from charities or military regiments. The audience is an opportunity for Prince Philip to discuss current issues and plans for the future. Often The Duke has had an involvement for many years and therefore can offer knowledgeable advice and is not just a figurehead.

For example, on several occasions each year Prince Philip will present the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards. These take place at either St. James’s Palace in London, the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh or Hillsborough Castle whilst he is visiting Northern Ireland. The Award Scheme has been in existence for over fifty years which means that The Duke has congratulated thousands of young people from across the United Kingdom and Commonwealth in successfully completing the Award.

Each year Prince Philip grants a number of portrait or sculpture sittings; these are usually held in the morning. Each artist may request a handful of occasions to capture an image of The Duke. Requests for sittings are often for an organisation of which he is a patron, a regimental colonel-in-chief, or for public display, such as the waxwork exhibition, Madame Tussauds.