[Prince Philip]Yui Mok/PA Prince Philip turned 97 on Sunday — and it's been over a year since he announced his official retirement from public service. According to The Telegraph, the Duke of Edinburgh has carried out 22,219 solo engagements and 637 solo visits overseas since he left active military service in 1952. In retirement, the Duke is reportedly enjoying more leisure time at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk — he is an avid carriage driver and enjoys oil painting. His Royal Highness' career will be remembered equally for his sharp wit as he will be for his gaffes, which have often left the nation laughing or reeling. The Prince's prolonged service has won him support from both sides of Parliament — Jeremy Corbyn applauded his "clear sense of public duty" and Theresa May praised his "steadfast support" to the Queen. Philip's lengthy career, marked by hundreds of visits to far-flung corners of the British Empire, has unsurprisingly produced some remarkable royal photography. As he turns 97, here are the best images from each of his years as Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: 1947: PRINCE PHILIP BEGAN HIS JOURNEY AS A BRITISH ROYAL WHEN HE MARRIED INTO THE COUNTRY'S ROYAL FAMILY AFTER A FIVE-MONTH ENGAGEMENT TO HIS DISTANT COUSIN, ELIZABETH. HE WAS 26. PA Images 1948: THE COUPLE HAD THEIR FIRST CHILD, PRINCE CHARLES, IN 1948. IN THIS PICTURE, HE SLEEPS IN THE ARMS OF HIS MOTHER, THEN PRINCESS ELIZABETH, AFTER HIS CHRISTENING AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE. PA Images 1949: PHILIP SPENT MANY OF HIS YOUNGER YEARS IN THE ROYAL NAVY MEANING FAMILY TIME WAS PRECIOUS. HE SPENT MUCH OF 1949 STATIONED IN MALTA AS THE FIRST LIEUTENANT OF THE DESTROYER HMS CHECKERS, THE LEAD SHIP OF THE 1ST DESTROYER FLOTILLA IN THE MEDITERRANEAN FLEET. PA Images SEE THE REST OF THE STORY AT BUSINESS INSIDER SEE ALSO: * The incredible life of Prince William's Instagram-famous godson, Prince Constantine-Alexios of Greece * 12 of the best current TV shows you can catch up to on Netflix * Here's why the Queen always wears gloves to royal engagements SEE ALSO: THE 23 BEST CANDID PHOTOS FROM PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN MARKLE'S ROYAL WEDDING
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