Prince Philip was, reportedly, very loving but strict towards his eldest son, Prince Charles.

In the book Prince Philip Revealed: A Man of His Century, royal author Ingrid Seward said that the Duke of Edinburgh enjoyed fatherhood. He loved babies so when he found out that Queen Elizabeth was pregnant, he was delighted.

Prince Philip and the queen prayed for their eldest child to be a boy so that they could secure the succession. So, they were thrilled when Prince Charles was born.

However, the royal couple soon learned that Prince Charles is unlike other boys his age because he was quite a softie. As such, Prince Philip thought of ways on how he could help him become a man.

Their family friend, Eileen Parker slammed Prince Philip because of his strict ways.

“I think Philip tolerated Charles but he wasn’t a loving father. I think Charles was frightened of him. I never saw him spank his children but he had a rough manner and could be incredibly cutting,” Parker said.

A lot of other people also objected to Prince Philip’s ways of disciplining and teaching his children. For instance, he would reportedly drag Prince Charles into the swimming pool and throw him in for him to learn how to swim.

Prince Charles’ nanny even objected to the treatment that Prince Philip was giving Prince Charles. But the dad of four fired back.

“It’s ridiculous to make such a fuss on him. There’s nothing wrong with him,” he insisted.

Years later, Prince Philip’s second son, Prince Andrew was born. According to Seward, Prince Philip and Prince Andrew’s relationship was complex and difficult because they were so similar.

Unlike Prince Charles, Prince Andrew enjoyed far more carefree infancy. He was also spared from attending royal events like his older siblings, Prince Charles and Princess Anne.

“Andrew was more biddable around his father. Philip taught Andrew to swim in the palace pool around the same time he taught Anne to drive a car and Charles how to handle a gun and swing a polo mallet,” Seward said.

But it was during Prince Edward’s birth that the Duke of Edinburgh witnessed what it was like for the queen to welcome their child. He was, reportedly, by the queen’s side when Prince Edward was born. As such, there are reports that he’s closest to his youngest son.