Why Prince Philip Was Dubbed ‘Icebreaker’ During Queen Elizabeth’s State Visits

Prince Philip reportedly played an important role whenever Queen Elizabeth II received important royal guests.

In the Channel 5 documentary “The Royals,” royal expert Richard Kay said that despite the Queen’s status as the head of the monarchy, the 93-year-old is actually very shy. As such, she relies on her husband to break the ice during important royal occasions.

“He is trying to say the right thing, sometimes it doesn’t come out quite right. He’s always taken the view that his role is an ice breaker… The Queen is actually remarkably shy,” he said.

But Kay clarified that even though the Queen relies on Prince Philip to break the ice, Her Majesty never imposes anything to her husband. The royal expert said that the Duke of Edinburgh is his own man, which means that he says and does whatever he wants and feels.

Royal correspondent Emily Andrews seconded Kay’s thoughts and said that the 97-year-old retired royal is a law unto himself.

“I think it would take a very, very brave person to say, ‘Sir, by the way, can you just tone it down a bit?’” Andrews said.

Unfortunately for the Queen, Prince Philip wasn’t around when she met President Donald Trump this week. Since the dad of four has already been retired for two years, he is not expected to attend royal engagements and state banquets.

At present, Prince Philip is spending his days in Windsor. He is sometimes seen out in public riding his horses. But during royal weddings, Prince Philip makes it a point to attend.

Since he is residing in Windsor, royal experts said that he doesn’t get to see the Queen as often as he used to. But Her Majesty makes it a point to visit her husband in Windsor whenever she’s available. Since she hasn’t retired, the Queen resides at the Buckingham Palace because it is nearer to her royal duties.