Prince Philip’s Last Days With Queen Elizabeth Were Heartbreaking

Apr 15, 2021 by apost team

The death of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, on April 9, 2021, has sent the United Kingdom into mourning, especially ardent supporters of the British monarchy. The Queen's husband of over seven decades was a well-loved member of the royal family, but his death at the age of 99 comes after two months of ill health.

Philip's passing ends his reign as the longest-serving royal spouse, having served alongside Queen Elizabeth II for 65 years and having been married to the monarch for 73 years in total.

Prince Philip was admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital in London on Feb. 16 on a precautionary basis as he reportedly felt unwell. Following his admission, the prince underwent surgery for a heart condition. One month later on March 16, Buckingham Palace released a statement that announced the procedure was "successful."

However, just less than one month after that, the Duke of Edinburgh would pass away at home with the Queen in Windsor Castle. Members of the family have described his passing as peaceful.

His last days were reportedly also as peaceful as could be as per a royal insider, who spoke to Daily Mail reporter Richard Kay. While Philip spent many of his last days resting and sleeping, he did find time to spend with his beloved wife, Elizabeth, despite her hectic schedule. Moreover, the insider reports that his failing health did not stop him from keeping true to himself, and it certainly did not affect how independent and dignified he was. Until the end, Philip remained the noble and steadfast man he has always known to be. 

Richard Kay is the editor-at-large, a former top royal correspondent and gossip columnist at Daily Mail who often writes detailed stories about the royal family. After Philip's passing, he wrote an article that elaborated on the final days of Queen Elizabeth's husband, who has been her companion for over 73 years. He also gets information from royal insiders that gave a clearer picture of Philip's final days at the castle.

Though Philip had become less robust after his extended hospital stay in February 2021, his mere physical presence was a source of comfort and strength for the queen. 

While his mealtimes were set by a timetable earlier, they were accommodated to fit his appetite in the last few weeks, which had been little to none. However, Birmingham Mail reports that the meals he did want to have were moved so that he could have them with his wife whenever possible. Kay writes that even though Philip spent much of his day sleeping, he was still able to enjoy time with his wife as there were "moments of great lucidity and joyful togetherness."

Even though he was "no longer the decisive man of action who had devoted a lifetime to supporting her, she was now able to repay him." 

Though he seemed to have been weaker than before, Philip remained till the very end a capable and independent man. An anecdote shared by the journalist reveals his tendency to never show any frailty: when Philip dropped his reading glasses, a frontman came to help him pick them up but was promptly stopped. "Never mind," the duke told him, raising his arm. "I'll do it." 

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He also reportedly refused to wear his hearing aid, and the queen was apparently overheard saying, "It means we have to shout." 

Despite his advanced age, Philip could still walk, though with some difficulty, while using a cane. He would sometimes allow himself to be pushed around in a wheelchair, "but staff were very wary of suggesting it," according to Kay. An aide recalled, "When it first appeared in the private rooms he shouted: ‘Get that bloody thing out of my sight."

On his good days, however, which were as recent as a few days before he passed, he would wear a shirt, pressed trousers and polished shoes, and even read and write letters. On warm days would ask for a chair to be brought outside so that he could sit in the sunshine with a blanket over his legs, where he would often doze off. 

His death came as a shock to most people, and even though PEOPLE reported that the queen was prepared for his death, it is a trying and sorrowful time for everyone in the family. However, Philip's wish to die in his own home and bed was fulfilled, and Elizabeth remained by his side till the very end. Town And Country Mag wrote that Sophie, who is Prince Edward's wife, said that his death was very peaceful.

"It was right for him. It was so gentle. It was just like somebody took him by the hand and off he went. Very, very peaceful and that’s all you want for somebody, isn’t it?"

Prince Philip will be remembered for being one of the most beloved leaders for decades to come. Tell us your thoughts about the incredible man, and be sure to let your friends know about how Philip stayed the dignified leader he was till the end.