Why Prince Philip was never called a king

He was a prince and a duke — but never a king. The death of Prince Philip [https://nypost.com/2021/04/09/britains-prince-philip-dead-at-99/] on Friday renewed the question of why the lofty title was never bestowed on the Queen’s husband. 1 of 5 Advertisement [https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/king-philip-queen-03.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&w=878] Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh pose for a portrait at home in Buckingham Palace in December 1958 in London, England.Donald McKague/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images King George VI, (1895 - 1952) and Queen Elizabeth with their daughters, Princesses Elizabeth (center) and Margaret Rose (1930 - 2002) in their coronation robes. [https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/king-george-queen-01.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&w=878] King George VI, (1895 – 1952) and Queen Elizabeth with their daughters, Princesses Elizabeth (center) and Margaret Rose (1930 – 2002) in their coronation robes.Hulton Archive/Getty Images Advertisement Then-Princess Elizabeth and The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh enjoying a walk during their honeymoon at Broadlands, Romsey, Hampshire on Nov. 24, 1947. [https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/king-philip-queen-012.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&w=878] Then-Princess Elizabeth and The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh enjoying a walk during their honeymoon at Broadlands, Romsey, Hampshire on Nov. 24, 1947.Topical Press Agency/Getty Images Advertisement It turns out that an age-old rule within the British monarchy [https://pagesix.com/article/royal-family-tree-line-of-succession/] is the reason: The title of king can only be given to one who inherits the throne. That means a ruling queen’s husband is referred to as a prince consort. 1 of 3 Advertisement Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall arrive in the royal carriage into the parade ring on day 1 of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on June 16, 2015 in Ascot, England. [https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/king-philip-queen-05-1.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&w=878] Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall arrive in the royal carriage into the parade ring on day 1 of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on June 16, 2015 in Ascot, England. Getty Images A young Prince Philip holding a beer while umpiring a polo match. [https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/king-philip-queen-06.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&w=878] A young Prince Philip holding a beer while umpiring a polo match.Reginald Davis/Shutterstock Advertisement The rule, however, differs for a woman who marries into the royal family, such as Kate Middleton, who will assume the symbolic title Queen Consort when Prince William eventually ascends to the throne. 1 of 3 Advertisement Kate Middleton will assume the symbolic title Queen Consort when Prince William eventually ascends to the throne. [https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/king-william-queen-02.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&w=878] Kate Middleton will assume the symbolic title Queen Consort when Prince William eventually ascends to the throne.Chris Jackson/Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and their children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne, wave from the balcony at Buckingham Palace after Elizabeth's coronation ceremony, London, June 2, 1953. [https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/king-philip-queen-04.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&w=878] Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and their children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne, wave from the balcony at Buckingham Palace after Elizabeth’s coronation ceremony, London, June 2, 1953. Hulton Archive/Getty Images Advertisement Then only known as the Duke of Edinburgh, Philip became a prince in 1957 when his wife, Queen Elizabeth II, bestowed the title on him a decade after their marriage. Queen Elizabeth II sits with Prince Philip — who was never called king. Ray Collins – WPA Pool/Getty Images [https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/king-philip-queen-01.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=1024] Queen Elizabeth II sits with Prince Philip — who was never called king. Ray Collins – WPA Pool/Getty Images