PlayPrince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh has spent six decades in the public eye, but he still remains something of an enigma.
Now ITV has been granted unparalleled access to his life. The Duke: A Portrait of Prince Philip is a two-part documentary filmed over a number of months. It features an exclusive interview by Sir Trevor McDonald at his private Sandringham estate, plus never-before-seen footage of his travels.
During his conversation with Sir Trevor, the Duke speaks passionately about this conservation work, which he has championed around the world – as well as in his own back garden at Sandringham.
“Conservation is not a romantic business, it’s a very practical business - trying to ensure as many different species of wildlife can exist, which means in some cases controlling some so the others can have a better chance,” he says.
At 86, the Duke shows no signs of slowing his commitment to public life. Cameras follow His Royal Highness on a range of royal visits and appointments including one for the Commonwealth Heads of Government in Uganda last November, where he squeezed a flying visit by light aircraft to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, which he first visited with the Queen back in 1954. Cameras also show him at the recent state visit of French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his new bride Carla Bruni.
Watch The Duke: A Portrait of Prince Philip on Monday and Tuesday at 9pm, ITV1
