The Duke: In His Own Words

The Amazon Add-on, The Duke: In His Own Words, released in 2021, is an illuminating piece of television that pays homage to the life and legacy of Britain's late consort, Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. The production is dedicated to examining Prince Philip's life steeped in royal responsibility, marked with boundless dedication and commitment to service, and spiced with his distinctive wit and wisdom. The Duke of Edinburgh’s illustrious journey is retraced through extensive archival footage, excerpts from his speeches, interviews, and exclusive narratives, offering viewers an intimate look into the life of an extraordinary man.

“The Duke,” is considered by many as the solid rock behind the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, but he was so much more than just the Queen's consort. This documentary journeys back to his early years, reconstructing his challenging upbringing as a young prince in Greece, his education in France and Scotland, and his service to the Royal Navy. It highlights the momentous events of his life that have shaped and moulded him into the person that he eventually became.

The show is unique because it unveils the life of The Duke from his own perspective, helping viewers to understand the man behind the titles, naval uniform, and royal duties. A man who was deeply committed to causes like education, conservation, and technology, and believed in utilizing these three pillars to inspire and improve lives. The Duke: In His Own Words showcases Prince Philip's passion and dedication towards the causes he championed and his guiding influence on several British institutions.

His expressions about marriage, parenthood, and his frank thoughts about monarchy and its relevance in modern society, offers a raw insight into his character and his beliefs. The show covers the Duke’s role as a husband, a father, a grandfather and a great-grandfather revealing the intricate layers of his personality. The narrative manages to capture the essence of his nature -- stoic, witty, fiercely intelligent, and continually intrigued by innovation and progress.

Through beautiful footage that pans through enormous stretches of time, viewers get to perceive the transition in Prince Philip’s life from a dashing naval officer to the longest-serving consort in British history. His sense of duty, love for the Queen, and belief in the royal institution is distinctively apparent through his own recounting of his life's journey. His forthright views, principled opinions, and his famous quick wit meet to render an absorbing account of a life devoted to public service.

A significant part of the show is dedicated to understanding Prince Philip's unfathomable role in helping bolster the monarchy during testing times, often reinventing the institution's image, to maintain its relevance in changing societal contexts. His participation in steering the British monarchy through some of its most turbulent times is powerfully depicted.

The Duke: In His Own Words also discusses his pet projects, most notably The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which has impacted millions of youngsters worldwide, inspiring them to broaden their experiences, discover their potential, and learn vital life skills.

Without shying away from controversy, the show gives a balanced portrayal of Prince Philip, acknowledging his gaffes and the public critique that followed, but always offering a wider lens of understanding against the backdrop of his unwavering commitment to the kingdom and its people.

The Duke: In His Own Words serves as a compelling tribute to a royal who made a colossal difference with his dedication to public service. It presents an intimate, profound, and honest portrayal of a complex, sometimes controversial, yet certainly pivotal character in the tableau of British monarchy. With a combination of historical context and personal revelations, this show provides an exclusive look into the life, thoughts, public service, and legacy of The Duke of Edinburgh, beyond the regal ceremonialism, as told by the man himself. It is a must-watch for those interested in history, royals, and iconic personalities who have left an indelible mark on society.