What Did Prince Philip Call His Wife? Uncovering A Royal Term Of Endearment

Prof. Rosa Hermiston 30 Jul 2025

The British Royal Family has always held a special place in the hearts of many, and the personal lives of its members often capture public interest. People are, you know, naturally curious about the little details that make these figures seem more relatable. One question that often comes up, perhaps more than you might expect, centers on the private moments shared between the late Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

Their bond was, in a way, truly remarkable, stretching across seven decades. This long and enduring partnership saw them through countless public duties and private moments. It's quite something to think about, really, how much history they shared together, isn't it?

So, it's pretty natural for people to wonder about the more intimate aspects of their relationship, especially how they spoke to each other behind closed doors. What, for instance, did Prince Philip call his wife, the Queen, when they were just being themselves? This question, as a matter of fact, reveals a sweet and rather unexpected detail about their affection.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: A Brief Look
The Surprising Nickname Prince Philip Used
Where Did 'Cabbage' Come From?
Other Royal Nicknames and Terms of Endearment
A Love Story Spanning Decades
Why Prince Philip Did Not Become King
Frequently Asked Questions About Royal Nicknames

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: A Brief Look

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was a central figure in the British Royal Family for many years. He was, as a matter of fact, the longest-serving consort in British history, a truly impressive feat. His life was, you know, dedicated to public service alongside his wife, Queen Elizabeth II.

He passed away in April 2021 at the age of 99, bringing an end to a life of remarkable duty and partnership. His presence was, arguably, a constant source of support for the Queen. People often remember his sharp wit and his dedication, too.

Personal Details and Biography

Detail	Information
Full Name	Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Born	June 10, 1921
Died	April 9, 2021 (aged 99)
Spouse	Queen Elizabeth II
Marriage Duration	Almost 74 years
Children	King Charles III, Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh
Notable Role	Consort to the British monarch

The Surprising Nickname Prince Philip Used

Many people know that Queen Elizabeth II had her own special childhood nickname, 'Lilibet'. This affectionate shortening of her first name, Elizabeth, was used by her close family growing up. But then, we're thrown a bit of a curveball, aren't we, when it comes to the term of endearment used by her husband, Prince Philip.

The Duke of Edinburgh reportedly had a rather unique and sweet name for his wife. According to royal biographers, Prince Philip lovingly called his wife 'Cabbage'. Yes, that's right, 'Cabbage'. It's pretty unusual, isn't it, for a royal nickname?

This detail, as a matter of fact, first came to public light in the 2006 film 'The Queen'. The movie portrayed this intimate detail, showing a glimpse into their private world. It really was, you know, a surprising reveal for many.

Stories of Queen Elizabeth II's life are still being recounted across the world, and these personal touches, like her husband's nickname for her, add a rich layer to her public image. Prince Philip, whose sense of humour, arguably, matched his wife's, used this term affectionately.

This moniker that Philip bestowed upon his wife was, apparently, adopted throughout his life. It was a name he used on the regular, and it’s, quite honestly, all too much to handle for some people who expect something more traditional.

Where Did 'Cabbage' Come From?

So, why 'Cabbage'? It seems like a very curious choice for a term of endearment, doesn't it? Well, according to reports, the late Prince Philip's nickname for his wife, 'Cabbage', actually refers to the French phrase 'mon petit chou'. This is, you know, a pretty interesting connection.

In its literal translation, 'mon petit chou' means 'my little cabbage'. But the French idiom is, in a way, a very common and affectionate way of saying 'my darling' or 'my sweetheart'. It's similar to how we might say 'my little one' or 'my dear'.

This origin provides a lovely explanation for what might otherwise seem like a truly odd choice. It highlights a touch of European influence in their private language, too. This explanation makes the nickname, arguably, much sweeter and more understandable.

The name was, apparently, adopted by Prince Philip for his wife throughout his life. It's a sweet detail that shows the depth of their private affection. You can learn more about this particular nickname and its origins on Now To Love.

Other Royal Nicknames and Terms of Endearment

Prince Philip did not just use 'Cabbage' for the Queen. He also, apparently, called his wife 'darling'. This is, you know, a more common term of endearment, but it shows his varied ways of expressing affection. It's pretty standard, really, for couples to use different terms.

He would also, for example, call his daughter, Princess Anne, 'sweetie'. This shows that affectionate nicknames were just a part of his personal interactions. The royal family, as a matter of fact, seems to have a lot of cute nicknames for each other.

Many members of the royal family, for instance, called the Queen 'Lilibet'. This was her childhood nickname, as we mentioned earlier, and it stuck with her among her closest family members. It's a pretty special thing, isn't it, to keep a childhood name?

Interestingly, grandson Prince Harry chose to use the sweet moniker 'Lilibet' for his daughter with Meghan Markle. This choice, you know, pays a lovely tribute to his grandmother, the Queen. It shows how these personal names carry on through generations.

A Love Story Spanning Decades

The relationship between Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II was, in a way, truly legendary. Their love story began when they first met in the 1930s, when Elizabeth was just 13. It's quite a long time ago, isn't it, to start such a bond?

Their relationship spanned seven decades, a testament to their enduring partnership. It came to an end with Philip's death in April 2021. Their bond was, arguably, a cornerstone of her reign.

The couple reportedly had many affectionate nicknames for one another, as is often the case with long-married couples. These private terms of endearment are, you know, a small window into the warmth of their personal connection. It makes them seem very human, actually.

When Philip had his car crash, it was Penny Romsey, a close friend, who was called to his side to talk him out of driving again. This shows the kind of close relationships he had outside of his immediate family, too. It's pretty clear he valued his friendships.

Why Prince Philip Did Not Become King

A question that often comes up is why Prince Philip, who passed away at the age of 99 on April 9, 2021, did not become King Philip or King Consort after his wife’s coronation. This is, you know, a pretty common point of confusion for many people.

Upon marrying the Queen, Prince Philip dropped his title as Prince of Greece and Denmark to become the Duke of Edinburgh. This was, as a matter of fact, a significant change in his status. He took on a new identity within the British system.

However, when Queen Elizabeth took the throne, Philip did not become the King. The reason for this is rooted in British royal tradition and law. The title of 'King' is, basically, reserved for a reigning male monarch who inherits the throne.

The title for the husband of a reigning Queen is 'Prince Consort' or simply 'Prince'. This means he supports the Queen but does not hold sovereign power himself. It's a subtle but important distinction, isn't it, in royal titles?

If the Queen Mother is the title of the King or Queen's mother, then the father who is not the king would typically be known as the 'Prince Consort'. This is, you know, the traditional way it works. Philip was, in some respects, very content with his role as Prince Consort.

He was, after all, married to Elizabeth for almost 70 years. His role was to support her, not to rule. This arrangement is, arguably, quite clear in the royal protocols. Learn more about royal traditions on our site, and link to this page about royal titles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Royal Nicknames

Did Prince Philip have any other nicknames for the Queen?

Yes, Prince Philip also affectionately called his wife 'darling'. While 'Cabbage' was his unique pet name, 'darling' was, you know, another term of endearment he used. It shows a range of affection, doesn't it?

What was Queen Elizabeth II's childhood nickname?

Queen Elizabeth II was known as 'Lilibet' growing up. This was an affectionate shortening of her first name, Elizabeth, used by her close family members. It's a pretty sweet detail about her early life, really.

Why did Prince Philip call Queen Elizabeth 'Cabbage'?

Prince Philip reportedly called Queen Elizabeth 'Cabbage' as a term of endearment derived from the French phrase 'mon petit chou'. This literally means 'my little cabbage' but is, in French, a common way to say 'my darling' or 'my sweetheart'. It's, you know, a very charming origin for the nickname.

Cómo Usar el Verbo Auxiliar DID - YouTube

sonrojo válvula rumor reglas de was y were en ingles Mensurable Perenne

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID): Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments

Global Artist Buzz