Prince Philip’s one-liners over the years: what did Queen Elizabeth’s husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, say to Madonna, Elton John and Tom Jones?

Feb 28 , 2021

Britain’s Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is well-known for his off-colour sense of humour. Photo: AFP

From hiding one of the queen’s corgis to cracking one-liners about ageing and traditional dress, the Prince sure loves a joke

His targets range from backpackers to presidents, and even celebrities like Tom Jones, Elton John and Madonna aren’t safe

It is well known that 99-year-old Prince Philip, who has been married to Queen Elizabeth since 1947, has a dry sense of humour. While some of his quotes and anecdotes have veered more towards questionable than quirky, there have also been many times when he has lightened up the atmosphere at a formal event.

Britain’s Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, listens as his wife Queen Elizabeth addresses the House of Lords during the State Opening of Parliament in Westminster, central London, Britain, on May 25, 2010. Photo: EPA-EFE/STR

He is also known for his gaffes, some of which have hit the headlines over the years and make you wonder if you should laugh or cry. Here are some of his thoughts on everything from his wife to Elton John.

He played hide the corgi

Humour may be key to a long and happy marriage – the queen is said to have a cheeky sense of humour herself – but she was not amused the day her husband hid her beloved corgi.

Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh with their three sons, Charles (centre), Edward (kneeling) and Andrew (right), and daughter Anne, with her son Peter at Balmoral Castle, Scotland, November 20, 1979. Photo: AFP

One widely quoted incident comes from an unnamed palace insider who related an event when Prince Philip, as a joke to impress dinner guests, hid the queen’s corgi in a cupboard. When she asked him where her dog was, he said he didn’t know. But the corgi started whining when it heard her voice, so the prince freed it. The queen told the prince to stop showing off in front of the guests. Unperturbed, he turned to the guests and responded, “Who does she think she is?”

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip on their wedding day in 1947. Photo: @culturedessert/Instagram