Prince Philip displayed a capacity for leadership and unusual courage but also struggled with temper control, according to his final school report from Gordonstoun. The report, compiled for his 1939 application to the Royal Navy, described the then 17-year-old Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark as a "born leader" unafraid of "dirty and arduous work."
Kurt Hahn, the founder and headmaster of the Scottish boarding school, praised Philip's organizational skills and "natural power of command." However, Hahn also noted that the prince was "still inclined to jump to angry conclusions" when his plans were thwarted. Despite this, Hahn observed that Philip performed best under pressure and was "universally liked and respected."
The headmaster's comments, revealed in recently opened national archives, indicated that Philip possessed "unusual courage and endurance" and "hates subterfuge." He was appointed captain of the school's cricket and hockey teams and was noted for his aptitude in German and interest in Greek military history.
The report awarded Philip an A for overall intelligence and B-pluses for the accuracy and reliability of his work, as well as for illustrating how his skills could be applied in the professional world. Hahn also described him as having good taste, being musical, and possessing an "unusual grasp" of causality in human affairs.
Philip, who attended Gordonstoun from the age of 13, was also described as a "cheerful shipmate" and a conscientious and trustworthy individual who did not shy away from hard work. He was an active member of the school's Seamanship Guild and participated in expeditions to the west coast of Scotland and Norway.
Some records related to Prince Philip are expected to remain closed to the public until 2041.