Palace shares gorgeous unseen family snaps of Prince Philip on birthday

While all eyes were on the Queen at the weekend for the grand Trooping of the Colour event the spotlight has since turned to her husband Prince Philip as he celebrates his 98th birthday.

The palace has delighted fans with the release of a series of never-before-seen snaps of the Duke of Edinburgh in recognition of the special day.

Though he has retired from his royal duties that hasn’t stopped the family from boosting him back into the public eye as they took to social media on Monday to wish him a lovely day and share photos from his younger days.

Prince Charles and Camilla led the way with the congratulatory messages with a beautiful  black and white photo of the duke with his then two-year-old son.

Philip can be seen walking along hand in hand with the young Charles, looking dapper in a suit and tie and a pair of dark sunglasses. While an adorable Charles confidently walked by his side.

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“Happy 98th Birthday to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh,” the royal couple wrote on Instagram alongside the image.

“A two-year-old Prince Charles holds The Duke’s hand after greeting his father following his return home from a trip to Malta in 1951.”

A second snap was shared by the royal family showing the duke as a bright eyed 32-year-old. Philip dressed formally in the photo taken 66 years ago, wearing a black suit jacket and tie.

Meanwhile his grandson Prince Harry and his wife Meghan shared one of the most beautiful snaps yet showcasing the love between Philip and the Queen.

The black and white snap from their younger days showed the duke staring down lovingly at his wife, while she smiled broadly back at him.

“Wishing His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, Sir, Grandpa a very Happy 98th Birthday!” the new parents wrote on Instagram.

William and Kate didn’t miss the opportunity to bid the royal a happy birthday either, sharing a number of more recent snaps of themselves with the duke.

The beautiful connection between the royals was evident in the snaps as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shared a laugh with the jovial Philip.

Royal fans were quick to send there regards, with thousands flocking to social media to wish Philip a happy birthday and comment on the stunning snaps.

“A wonderful man! Happy birthday sir,” one person wrote on Instagram.

“Happy birthday to a great man. We love you,” another commented.

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While a third said: “Amazing man. I hope he has a wonderful birthday doing all the things he likes to do. Happy birthday sir.”

Are you a fan of the royal family? Do you have a message for Prince Philip for his birthday?