- Prince Philip's cause of death reavealed
- A long-hidden diagnosis
- A quiet farewell
Prince Philip died in April 2021 at the age of 99, just weeks before his 100th birthday. Officially, his cause of death was recorded as “old age,” but new details from a recent biography offer deeper insight into his health during the final years of his life.
According to excerpts from the book 'Queen Elizabeth II,' published by the Daily Mail, the late royal is believed to have been living with a serious illness long before his passing.
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A Long-Hidden Diagnosis
Biographer Hugo Vickers writes that during a hospital stay in June 2013, doctors discovered a shadow on Philip’s pancreas. Further examination reportedly confirmed pancreatic cancer, which was considered inoperable.
Remarkably, Philip is said to have lived with the diagnosis for nearly eight years—far longer than many patients with this condition.
Health Challenges in Later Years
Even before this diagnosis, Prince Philip had faced a number of health issues. In December 2011, he was treated for a blocked coronary artery. Two years later, he underwent surgery at a private London clinic.
Despite these challenges, reports suggest he remained determined to maintain his independence for as long as possible. Although he gradually withdrew from public life, particularly in his final years, he continued to play an important role within the royal family.
His Final Hours
Vickers also offers a poignant account of Philip’s final night. According to the biography, the Duke briefly left the care of staff and walked through a corridor at Windsor Castle using his frame.
He is said to have poured himself a beer and sat in the Oak Room before returning to rest. The following morning, he reportedly said he did not feel well. He later died peacefully.
A Quiet Farewell
Queen Elizabeth II was not at his side when he passed away. The monarch, who died in September 2022 at the age of 96, was said to have been deeply affected. The biography notes that, “as so often in life, Prince Philip left without saying goodbye.”
These new details add a layer of poignancy to Prince Philip’s final days, while also highlighting the calm and dignity with which he faced the end of his life.
