Prince Philip’s sister, Princess Cecilie of Greece and Denmark, tragically died in a plane crash on November 16, 1937. The accident occurred near Ostend, Belgium, while she was traveling to London for her brother’s wedding to Princess Elizabeth. The exact cause of the crash has been a subject of speculation and investigation over the years.
The plane carrying Princess Cecilie and her family encountered severe weather conditions during their flight, including heavy fog and rain. It is believed that these adverse weather conditions contributed to the tragedy. Despite efforts to land safely, the aircraft ultimately crashed into a hillside near Ostend airport.
The crash claimed the lives of everyone on board, including Princess Cecilie, her husband Prince Ludwig of Hesse and by Rhine, their two sons Prince Christoph and Prince Ludwig, as well as her mother-in-law Grand Duchess Eleonore of Hesse and by Rhine. The news devastated both the Greek royal family and the British royal family, with Prince Philip mourning the loss of his beloved sister.
While investigations into the exact circumstances surrounding Princess Cecilie’s death have been conducted over the years, no definitive conclusion has been reached. However, it is widely acknowledged that adverse weather conditions played a significant role in this tragic event that shook both families to their core.
How Did Prince Philip’s Sister Die
Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, had a close relationship with his sister, Princess Cecilie of Greece and Denmark. Born on June 22, 1911, in Tatoi Palace near Athens, Princess Cecilie was the third child and second daughter of Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg.
Tragedy struck when Princess Cecilie was just six years old. Her mother was diagnosed with schizophrenia and placed in a mental institution for treatment. This event deeply affected the young princess, who had to navigate through difficult family dynamics during her formative years.
As she reached adulthood, Princess Cecilie became an important figure within European nobility. In 1931, she married Georg Donatus, Hereditary Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine. The couple soon started their own family and welcomed three children: Ludwig, Alexander, and Johanna.
Sadly, fate dealt another devastating blow to the royal family. On November 16, 1937, tragedy struck when Princess Cecilie’s life was cut short at the age of only 26. She perished alongside her husband and two sons in a tragic plane crash en route from London to Frankfurt.
Prince Philip and His Relationship with His Sister
Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, had a close relationship with his sister, Princess Cecilie of Greece and Denmark. Their bond was strong but tragically cut short by a devastating event. Here’s a glimpse into their connection.
- A Strong Sibling Bond: Prince Philip and Princess Cecilie shared a deep sibling bond that was evident in their interactions. Growing up within the royal family, they both experienced the challenges and privileges that come with such a position.
- Shared Experiences: As members of European royalty, Prince Philip and Princess Cecilie were exposed to similar aristocratic circles and events. They attended social gatherings together and participated in various royal engagements throughout their lives.
- Supportive Connection: In times of joy or sorrow, Prince Philip and Princess Cecilie stood by each other’s side, offering support and understanding. Their relationship served as an anchor amidst the demands of their royal duties.
- Tragic Loss: The tragic loss of Princess Cecilie deeply impacted Prince Philip’s life. On November 16, 1937, she lost her life in a plane crash along with her husband and two children while traveling to London for her brother’s wedding to then-Princess Elizabeth.
- Personal Grief: The sudden loss of his beloved sister left Prince Philip grief-stricken. This devastating event marked a turning point in his life as he had to navigate through profound sorrow while fulfilling his duties as a member of the royal family.
- Resilience Amidst Tragedy: Despite experiencing immense personal tragedy, Prince Philip displayed remarkable resilience throughout his life. He channeled his grief into dedicated service to Queen Elizabeth II and the British monarchy.
- Enduring Legacy: Throughout his long life alongside Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip carried forward the memory of his sister through various charitable endeavors related to aviation safety, a cause close to Princess Cecilie’s heart.
- Remembering Princess Cecilie: Prince Philip often spoke fondly of his sister and cherished her memory. Their bond serves as a reminder of the importance of family, even in the face of adversity.
