Low-key celebrations as the Duke of Edinburgh turns 95

While the country’s attention was focused on the Queen and national celebrations this weekend to mark her 90th birthday, Philip entered his 96th year.

Philip continues to be a constant presence at the side of the monarch during many of her official duties and he carries out hundreds of public engagements in his own right.

The Duke’s life has been a full one and perhaps his greatest achievement has been the success of his Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme - which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year and has inspired generations of young people to push themselves in a range of disciplines.

Despite a brief concern about his health last week when he cancelled an appearance, following medical advice, at commemorations marking the First World War Battle of Jutland, the Queen’s consort appears well and in good spirits.

The Duke did not attend hospital and was soon carrying out public engagements both at Buckingham Palace and with the public.

His birthday was marked with traditional gun salutes with the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery firing 41 volleys at midday in Hyde Park.

The Band of the Royal Artillery played as the 71 groomed horses pulled the six First World War-era 13-pounder field guns into position, before the blank rounds were fired at 10-second intervals.

An hour later, the Honourable Artillery Company fired a 62-gun salute across the Thames at the Tower of London after travelling through the city in their liveried Pinzgauer vehicles.

Philip met the future Queen while he was a Royal Navy cadet.

The Duke, who is known for his no-nonsense approach and acerbic wit, is the longest-serving consort in British history and also the oldest-serving partner of a reigning monarch.