Prince Philip wears the pants in the British Royal family home

London, Sept 1 : Queen Elizabeth might be ruling Britain, but when it comes to the Royal family, it is Prince Philip who rules the roost.

It was the Duke of Edinburgh, who decided that Princes Charles, Andrew and Edward would be educated at the Scottish public school Gordonstoun.

The 87-year-old also acted as marriage guidance counsellor to Princess Diana after her split from Charles.

Prince Philip's frankness has long been appreciated by his grandchildren, which in turn persuaded Prince Harry to promise his grandfather that he would tame his party lifestyle.

According to friends, the 23-year-old Prince vowed to continue the hard-working tradition of senior Royals and insisted that the days of him being photographed falling out of nightclubs are over.

Prince Philip's grandchildren often turn to him - sometimes over their own parents - for advice.

"William and Harry might not listen to their father, but if their grandfather said jump, their response would be: "How high?" the Daily Express quoted royal expert Phil Dampier, co-author of Duke of Hazard: The Wit And Wisdom of Prince Philip, as saying.

"The Princes both have a great deal of respect for Philip. Both being in the services, and having seen friends killed, they admire the fact that Philip went to war, whereas Charles never saw any action," he added.

Philip was also seen walking beside his grandsons during Princess Diana's funeral procession.

It was Philip who helped to plan Charles's induction into royal life.

"The Queen famously described Philip as "my strength and stay" and that is exactly what he has been during their 60 years of marriage," said Dampier

According to the sources, Philip has advised William to "stop dithering" over his relationship with Kate Middleton, his girlfriend of more than five years.

ANI