A school report from Prince Philip's time at Gordonstoun School has been unearthed, revealing surprising details about his teenage years. The documents, now on display at the National Archives in Kew, southwest London, were originally expected to be made public in 2041 but have been released early.
Personality Revealed in School Report
During his final year at the school in 1938, the school's founder and headteacher, Dr Kurt Hahn, noted an unpredictable temper. Despite bursts of anger that Dr Hahn recommended monitoring, Philip was described as willing to get stuck into "dirty and arduous work".
Dr Hahn called Philip a "born leader" who would need "the exacting demands of a great service to do justice to himself." While Philip's "best" work was "outstanding", his second best "is not good enough".
Leadership and Temperament
Despite his temper, Philip was made school captain because he was "universally liked and respected". He was also made captain of the cricket and hockey teams. However, Dr Hahn noted, "The lure of the moment remains his danger. He is, at times, too irritable."
The headteacher credited Philip with a great "sense of service" for other students, as well as "unusual courage and endurance". The report also stated: "He has a power of meticulous application, but will only do his best under pressure."
Academic and Extracurricular Achievements
Philip received an A grade for intelligence and B+ for accuracy, reliability, and skill adaptability. His teacher noted a talent for German speaking and a particular interest in Greek military history.
The report shows Philip was a member of Gordonstoun's Seamanship Guild and went on expeditions to Norway and Scotland, where he "proved himself to be a cheerful shipmate and very conscientious in carrying out both major and minor duties. He is thoroughly trustworthy and not afraid of dirty and arduous work."
Gordonstoun is a private institution in Moray, Scotland, known for its strict methods. King Charles also attended the school from 1962 to 1967, following in his father's footsteps.
