Prince Philip’s childhood personality traits have been uncovered in a recently disclosed school report from his youth. The records from his time at Gordonstoun School in Scotland have been retrieved and are now on view at the National Archives in London.
The documents, originally scheduled for release in 2041 but made available earlier, shed light on surprising aspects of Philip’s teenage years. In 1938, during his final year at the school, the founder and headmaster, Dr. Kurt Hahn, noted Philip’s occasional unpredictable temper, which he advised monitoring to prevent escalation.
Despite the temperamental outbursts, Philip was commended for his willingness to engage in challenging manual labor tasks. Described as a “born leader” by Hahn, Philip was deemed to require significant responsibilities to fully showcase his abilities. While excelling in his best efforts, he was criticized for falling short in his secondary attempts.
Despite his flaws, Philip was appointed as the school captain due to being widely liked and respected. He also took on the roles of captain for the cricket and hockey teams, although his temper remained a concern, with Hahn cautioning about his irritability.
Acknowledged for his sense of service towards his peers, Philip was praised for his exceptional courage and endurance. The report highlighted his ability to command attention in a room and his preference for performing under pressure.
Academically, Philip received an A for intelligence and a B+ for accuracy, reliability, and adaptability. He demonstrated proficiency in German and displayed a keen interest in Greek military history. Additionally, the report detailed his involvement in Gordonstoun’s Seamanship Guild and his participation in expeditions to Norway and Scotland, where he proved to be a dedicated and reliable team member.
Gordonstoun, known for its rigorous educational methods, is a prestigious institution located in Moray, Scotland. Notably, King Charles also attended the school during his childhood.
