Prince Philip’s passions and pastimes

From carriage driving to polo to cookouts with his family, <strong><a href="/tags/0/prince-philip">Prince Philip</a></strong>'s leisure time has always been jam-packed with activities. Here, we round up some of the Duke of Edinburgh’s most-cherished passions and pastimes.
Philip loves carriage driving so much he refuses to give it up. He fell in love with the sport in 1971 after retiring from playing polo. <p>Philip has been very instrumental in the development of the sport, and has represented Britain in three European championships and six world championships. <p>The duke has continued to engage in the sport during his retirement at Sandringham. <p>Photo: © Getty Images</p>
Philip was a prince of the polo field for many years before handing in his reins in the 1970s. He shares his love for the sport with his son <strong><a href="/tags/0/prince-charles">Prince Charles</a></strong> and grandsons <strong><a href="/tags/0/prince-william">Prince William</a>/strong> and <strong><a href="/tags/0/prince-harry">Prince Harry</a></strong>. <p>Photo: © Getty Images</p>
After serving in the Navy for many years, it’s only natural that Prince Philip would gravitate towards sailing as a hobby. He loved yachting with his family and always brought his vessel <i>Bloodhound</i> along on the <a href="/tags/0/british-royals">Royal Family</a></strong>’s annual summer holiday on <i>Royal Yacht Britannia</i>. <p>Photo: © Shutterstock</p>
The Duke loves a good cookout. Here, Philip masters the barbecue with a little help from his daughter <a href="/tags/0/princess-anne">Princess Anne</a></strong> during the family’s summer holiday at Balmoral in 1971. <p>Photo: © Lichfield/Getty Images</p>
Philip’s love for design came to light following the tragic fire that destroyed parts of Windsor Castle in 1992. The royal played a large role in helping restore the castle, even designing this stunning stained glass window for the private chapel. <p>Photo: © Getty Images</p>
Canada holds a very special place in the duke’s heart. His passion for the country dates back to 1951 when he made his first visit to the Great White North with his wife and future queen Princess Elizabeth. Since then, he has travelled the country many times over. <p>Photo: © Getty Images</p>
Prince Charles may have inherited his love of painting from his father. Philip was a keen painter back in the day and has even painted a portrait of his wife. <p>Photo: © Getty Images</p>
The passionate conservationist has supported numerous causes throughout his life. In 1999, he visited Cameroon and Gabon as part of his duties as president of the British National Appeal within the World Wildlife Foundation. <p>Photo: Shutterstock</p>
Like his grandsons <a href="/tags/0/prince-william"><strong>Prince William</a></strong> and <a href="/tags/0/prince-harry"><strong>Prince Harry</a></strong>, Philip is intrigued by aviation. He received his RAF wings in 1953, his helicopter wings in 1956 and his private pilot's licence in 1959. After 6,000 hours of flying, the prince retired his wings in 1997. <p>Photo: © Getty Images</p>
In support of his dedication to helping youth fulfill their potential, Philip founded the Duke of Edinburgh Awards in 1956. The program encourages young people to learn and execute a variety of skills within four key areas: Rescue and public service training, expedition, pursuits and projects and fitness. <p>Photo: © Getty Images</p>
The longest-serving consort of a British ruler enjoys the tranquility of trout fishing in Scotland. <p>Photo: © Shutterstock</p>
The royal’s drink of choice? Beer! <p>Photo: © Reginald Davis/Shutterstock</p>
When his children were young, Philip loved to forgo a chauffeur and take control of the wheel. Here, he drives Prince Charles and Princess Anne to a polo match in Kingston, Jamaica. <p>Photo: © Getty Images</p>
The active prince enjoyed exercise to maintain his health. For most of his life, he reportedly performed Canadian Air Force exercises, including sit-ups and crunches. <p>Photo: Shutterstock</p>
The sporty royal was a regular on the cricket field. In 1953, Philip scored 18 runs during a celebrity match against the Duke of Norfolk held on the grounds near Arundel Castle. <p>Photo: Getty Images</p>
Like the Queen, Philip enjoys reading and writing during his down time. <p>Photo: © Getty Images</p>
For years, Philip has spearheaded the development of a truffle farm on the Sandringham Estate. <p>Photo: © Shutterstock</p>
Even though he has many interests and hobbies, nothing makes him happier than spending time with his wife of more than seven decades, the Queen. <p>Photo: © Getty Images</p>
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