In 1987, aged just 22, The Earl of Wessex spurred the ire of the Queen when he decided to opt out of his 12-month basic training course. Prince Philip was the Captain General of the Royal Marines at the time leading many media agencies to report he had berated his son.

       However, Prince Philip took kindly to his son’s decisions, saying the Marines “wasn’t right for Edward”

       Previously writing in The Daily mail, Royal biographer Ingrid Seward, said Philip was “the most sympathetic” to Edward’s plight.

       “Given his action-man image and his well-earned reputation for irascibility, many people assumed he was outraged,” she wrote.

       “Stories soon spread that harsh words had been exchanged between father and son; even that Edward had been reduced to tears by his father’s anger.

       “The truth was quite the opposite: of all the royal family, Philip was in fact the most sympathetic.

       “He understood his son’s decision, which he considered a brave one, and supported him fully.”

       At the time Buckingham Palace said his decision came after “much consideration”.

       The Firm added that he left the course with great regret “but has concluded that he does not wish to make the service his long-term career.”

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       Following the departure from the Marines, Prince Edward began a career in entertainment.

       His first introduction to television saw the Earl of Wessex produce The Grand knockout Tournament, a charity event which received criticism.

       However, the event reportedly raised over ￡1million for its selected charities.

       In his book, The Queen, Royal biographer Matthew Dennison, revealed Prince Edward was grateful for Philip’s support after leaving the marines.

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       He wrote: “To the surprise of some, Prince Philip did not come down on his son like a ton of bricks.

       “He accepted that the Marines ‘wasn’t right for Edward’ – and to this day Edward is grateful for that.”