Royal historian Hugo Vickers reports that Prince Philip was diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer in June 2013. Despite this diagnosis, Vickers states that Philip continued to conduct official royal duties for four years, retiring only in 2017. It remains unclear whether this diagnosis was publicly known before his death or kept private within royal circles, and the exact medical details and treatment plan over the subsequent eight years have not been disclosed.
Prince Philip died on April 9, 2021, at the age of 99, according to multiple media reports. His official cause of death was listed as 'old age' by two major media sources, though this designation raises questions given his reported long-term battle with pancreatic cancer. On his final night, Hugo Vickers describes how Philip sneaked away from his nurses, obtained a beer, and drank it in the Oak Room at Windsor Castle. The specific reasons behind this decision, and whether it was a regular occurrence, are not known. The following morning, Vickers reports that Philip got up, had a bath, said he did not feel well, and quietly slipped away.
I need you for the Diamond Jubilee.
According to Hugo Vickers, Queen Elizabeth II was not with Prince Philip when he died. Vickers, reporting what he was told, states that the Queen took the line that she was 'absolutely furious that, as so often in life, he left without saying goodbye.' The full extent of her emotional reaction and private feelings beyond this reported fury remains unknown.
Prince Philip's funeral was a small affair with only 30 people in attendance due to COVID-19 restrictions, according to two major media reports.
I've no idea. He's only just gone in.
Earlier health incidents included a December 2011 episode where, according to major media, Prince Philip was airlifted to Royal Papworth Hospital with chest pains, underwent a successful coronary angioplasty and stent replacement, and spent four nights in hospital. The same sources report that the Queen visited him during this hospitalization, which was unusual as the Royal Family were not great hospital visitors. According to Daily Mail, Queen Elizabeth II described telling Philip during this visit: 'I need you for the Diamond Jubilee.'
In June 2013, major media reports indicate Prince Philip was taken to the London Clinic for an abdominal operation after a Palace garden party. When asked about his health on the Today programme that month, Queen Elizabeth II said: 'I've no idea. He's only just gone in.' She added: 'That's because he's not ill.' Following the operation, Philip convalesced for two months at Windsor Castle with good and bad days, according to major media. He resumed royal duties on August 12, 2013, by presenting medals to the Royal Society in Edinburgh.
That's because he's not ill.
Later health issues included a December 2013 incident where, according to major media, the Queen and Prince Philip cancelled a train trip to Norfolk due to heavy colds, traveling by helicopter instead. King Charles revealed that his final conversation with Philip the day before his death involved discussing a potential 100th birthday party. According to Daily Mirror - 3am Showbiz, Prince Philip described responding: 'Well, I've got to be alive for it, haven't I?' According to Katie Nicholl's book, during one of their last visits, Prince Philip told King Charles: 'Whatever you do, promise me you will take care of your mother.'
After Prince Philip's death, King Charles paid tribute, saying: 'As you can imagine, my family and I miss my father enormously.' He described Philip as 'a much-loved and appreciated figure and apart from anything else, I can imagine, he would be so deeply touched by the number of other people here and elsewhere around the world and the Commonwealth, who also, I think, share our loss and our sorrow.'
Well, I've got to be alive for it, haven't I?
Whatever you do, promise me you will take care of your mother.