The Extraordinary Life Of Princess Alice | Queen's Mother-in-Law | Real Royalty

Few have heard of the Queen’s mother-in-law, Princess Alice. And yet, the life story of Prince Philip’s mother almost defies belief.

A great granddaughter of Queen Victoria, Prince Philip’s mother married into the Greek royal family – only to see the Greek monarchy overthrown by revolution. Fleeing into exile, she suffered a severe nervous breakdown. She was locked away and subjected to experimental treatments by psychiatrists – including Sigmund Freud himself. The trauma had a shattering effect on Princess Alice’s marriage and led to a fractured childhood for her only son Prince Philip.

Philip’s mother eventually fought her way back from mental illness, and became an unlikely hero of World War II – risking her life to hide a Jewish family. When her son married the future Queen Elizabeth in 1948, Alice turned down the option of a cosy royal life. Instead she chose to dedicate herself to working with the poor in Greece, gave away all her possessions and even founded her own religious order.

From Elizabeth II to Cleopatra, Real Royalty peels back the curtain to give a glimpse into the lives of some of the most influential families in the world, with new full length documentaries posted every week covering the monarchies of today and all throughout history.

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[staciereynolds]

This was a lady who overcame a physical impediment, survived the brutality of her royal family, the abandonment of her husband and daughters, and still showed them all how much humanity and service was in her heart. This is a true royal.

[genkidashite]

It's very ironic. She was not very popular but Princess Alice is probably the royal who is MOST worthy of respect. She was saint-like and had a heart of gold.

[Weeeewriter]

They dared raise their brow at Phillip's wedding because of his unconventional mother? She was a hero. She was the bravest of them all. May God Bless Princess Alice, EarthAngel.

[Rouge_Ice]

This woman deserves a film or an entire series dedicated to her.

[christinegatto]

To be able to lip read in 3 languages by age 18? What a remarkable woman she was!

[jillj]

It seems like Princess Alice was the very definition of kindness, grace and a life of extraordinary service! The very idea that she risked her life to save Jews during the war and wanted to be buried in Israel (in spite of the fact that her family was filled with Nazi sympathizers) is incredible! Would be nice if more attention was paid to her and she was celebrate! RIP Princess Alice💔

[belindaintexas]

Prince Philip's life was a miracle considering the chaos of his childhood. Now we understand where his character came from. What a great tribute to his amazing mother!

[AldridgeFarmstead]

She hid her friends in her house risking her own death! Helping injured soldiers on the front lines!! She didn’t have to, she choose to! This lady is wonderful. Independent. Caring, Un-materialistic, Genuine, A leader, a phenomenal women!!! Rest In Peace.

[pamelaroebuck]

Alice is the one royal who truly needs to be recognized and celebrated. I do hope a movie is forthcoming.

[dianewalker]

Wonderful woman! Born of royalty, but lived her life in service to the sick, injured, orphaned, and poor. A true disciple of Christ.

[salem]

During the German occupation in Athens Greece, my father met this remarkable woman and worked together helping the starving
Greeks. Princess Alice is one of the very few royals the Greeks loved and respected.

[MsElke]

"Be brave. You will always find me when you need me most. Your loving mama"...RIP MOTHER and SON!

[susanamoroso]

Princess Alice ' life is one of service, sacrifice and extraordinary courage. Prince Philip should be proud and honored to have her as a mother. She was able to overcome enormous emotional, mental and even social adversity. The life of other royals pale in comparison to this remarkable woman.

[walkingtrails]

She sounds like the kindest, most warm hearted noble to have ever been born in that family . God rest her soul.

[diogenes]

I am so moved by her story. What strength she had to survive the torture of incarceration, mental illness and persecution and then give her all to people in need. Thank you so much for posting this

[clmarsik]

It's wonderful that Princess Anne wore Princess Alice's tiara in her wedding, honoring Prince Phillip.

[average.homebody]

What a wonderful woman . Abondaoned and betrayed by her own family when she needed them the most . And still lived a life of purpose and meaning. Inspirational

[janetgeller]

I noticed at Philip’s wedding, Queen Mary misstepped badly. The queen mother instantly turned to her side to share a quick smile, and most likely get an instinctive bit of reassurance from Princess Alice. Alice instantly gave her a lovely smile of exactly that. I think Queen Mary must have whispered something like, “I almost fell”. Another nice moment at that wedding was when Princess Alice gave a small motion and pointed at something to get an antsy little boy in the wedding party to settle. I am so glad Prince Philip was able to arrange her final resting place as she desired. How moving his words and presence in Israel to receive the great honor his mother deserved. That must have been incredibly emotional for him, even as tough and brusque as he could sometimes be I think.

[iDelta]

What a remarkable woman! Her previous years did not deter her, did not break her, did not make her bitter but better. Eventhough she is royal, she gives herself to serve others. I think her story is absolutely fascinating.

[sharonrenedavenport]

This blew my mind. - Especially when she turned up at Queen Liz II’s Coronation in her grey Nun Dressing! True Heart of a Servant.