Why is Queen Elizabeth II's husband, Prince Philip, a prince instead of a king?

Question

Why is Queen Elizabeth II's husband, Prince Philip, a prince instead of a king?

Answer 1

The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, therefore, her husband Prince Philip is her "Prince Consort." A prince consort, generally speaking, is a common term for the husband of a Queen Regnant, unless he himself also is a king in his own right.

The Queen may also bestow upon him the title "King Consort", which is entirely at the will of the Queen. King consort is a title given in some monarchies to the husband of a queen regnant. Nowadays, it is a symbolic title only, the sole constitutional function of the holder being similar to a queen consort, namely to produce an heir to the throne.

Spain, Portugal, England and Scotland have all had kings consort; however, since the rank of king normally outranks that of queen, in most monarchies the queen's husband is given the title of prince or prince consort instead.

Note: In the British monarchy, the husband of a female monarch does not have any recognized special status, rank, or privileges. In actual fact Prince Philip does play a major role in royal affairs, but this is not recognized in terms of his title. Interestingly enough, the wife of a male monarch (e.g. the Queen Mother was the wife of King George VI) takes on her husband's rank and style upon marrying, becoming Queen.

Answer 2

because he wasnt inline to the throne she was. he is her consort.

Answer 3

Philip could not become king because he was not the son of the then-reigning monarch, George VI.  Elizabeth was the eldest child of George VI, so she inherited his throne, since he didn't have any sons.  And, since a "king" usually outranks a "queen", Philip could not be a "king" without confusing everyone considerably.  So he stayed "Prince".

At this time, the plan is that Camilla will keep the title of Duchess of Cornwall when/if Charles ascends to the throne. But that may change, too, with time.

Answer 4

Cause the Queen has the Pants on.

Answer 5

cos the Queen is the monarch and he's not!

Answer 6

It is because he wasnt coronated as King. She had a coronation and was made Queen. He stays a prince even if they are married. He would only become king if he had a coronation. It is only the reigning monarch that is called a king or queen. This being only Queen Elizabeth II.

Answer 7

He is referred to as Prince Philip, as he was born a prince of Greece and Denmark. He has also been named a Prince of the United Kingdom by Queen Elizabeth II.

In the event of her death, the throne would not pass to him.

He has also been subsequently named Duke of Edinburgh.