The final visits between King Charles and his late father, Prince Philip, before the Duke of Edinburgh’s passing in 2021 at the age of 99, were poignant moments. Philip’s death not only marked the end of an extraordinary life dedicated to service but also the conclusion of his 73-year marriage to Queen Elizabeth II. It was later confirmed that Philip passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle, with his wife by his side.
In the days leading up to his demise, the Queen remained a constant companion to her husband. According to royal expert Katie Nicholl’s 2022 book, “The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy and the Future of the Crown,” a family friend revealed that while Philip slept a lot, the Queen ensured his comfort. She read to him, played music, and they reminisced, going through family albums together, cherishing their shared memories.
These intimate moments between the Queen and Prince Philip during his final days highlight the depth of their bond and the profound impact his passing had on the monarch after over seven decades of marriage.
The final moments between Prince Philip and members of the royal family were poignant and emotionally charged. As the Duke’s life drew to a close, his eldest son, Prince Charles, had the opportunity to spend quality time with his father. During one of their last visits, Philip made a heartfelt request to Charles, urging him to promise to take care of the Queen. This request underscored the deep love and concern Philip had for his wife, and it left Charles deeply emotional.
Following Philip’s passing, the then-Prince Charles paid a loving tribute to his father, expressing the profound sense of loss felt by his family. He acknowledged that his father was a “much-loved and appreciated figure” not only within the royal family but also among people around the world and the Commonwealth. Charles recognized that his father would have been touched by the outpouring of affection and the kind words spoken about him.
In his statement, Charles expressed gratitude for the support and condolences received, stating that it would sustain the family during this particularly sad time. His words conveyed the immense respect and admiration he held for his father, a truly special person whose impact extended far beyond the royal household.
Prince William commemorated his grandfather Prince Philip’s remarkable life and legacy with a heartfelt tribute. He highlighted Philip’s unwavering commitment to service, dedicating a century to his country, the Commonwealth, his wife the Queen, and their family. William expressed gratitude for having Philip’s guidance and enduring presence well into his own adulthood, cherishing the special memories his children will have of their great-grandfather’s infectious sense of adventure and mischievous humor.
Acknowledging Philip as an extraordinary man from an extraordinary generation, William vowed to continue supporting the Queen as Philip would have wished, while fondly remembering his grandfather and carrying on with the royal duties. His words painted a poignant picture of Philip’s lasting impact on the royal family and his invaluable role as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.