Prince Philip Officially Died of ‘Old Age’ 5 Years Ago. Revisit His Final Days

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, passed away on April 9, 2021, at the age of 99, mere weeks before he would have celebrated his centenary. Known for his long-standing role in the British royal family, his death marked a significant moment and led to an official mourning period for his widow, Queen Elizabeth II.

The Duke died peacefully at Windsor Castle, with his cause of death subsequently recorded as “old age.” In the months leading up to his demise, Philip had experienced a variety of health issues, including a hip replacement, hospital treatments for a pre-existing condition, and a stay in hospital shortly before his passing due to feeling unwell. Just a month prior to his death, he was admitted to King Edward VII’s Hospital where he underwent treatment for an infection and had a procedure concerning a pre-existing heart condition.

A detailed account of his final hours was later revealed by historian Hugo Vickers, who noted that Philip had expressed feeling unwell shortly before he died. On the night before he passed away, he managed to slip away from his nurses, made his way to the Oak Room of Windsor Castle, and helped himself to a beer. The following morning, he quietly slipped away after sharing with those around him that he didn’t feel well.

Philip’s death coincided with the anniversary of the marriage of King Charles and Queen Camilla, enhancing the poignancy of the day. The royal family responded to the loss with a statement expressing their grief and highlighting the significant impact of his life and service. They conveyed their condolences to people worldwide who mourned alongside them.

A month later, his official cause of death was confirmed as “old age,” with Sir Huw Thomas, the head of the royal medical household, signing the death certificate. In his book, Vickers suggests that Philip had been battling pancreatic cancer, having been diagnosed eight years prior to his death. While details of his condition were kept private, Vickers reported that the illness was deemed inoperable, presenting a significant health challenge for the Duke.

Besides this serious illness, Philip faced various other health challenges throughout his later years. A notable incident was a car accident in January 2019, which led to him voluntarily relinquishing his driving licence. An unexpected hospital admission in December 2019 further underscored his declining health, though he had returned to public duties briefly prior to the pandemic in August 2020.

Following his passing, Queen Elizabeth observed an extended period of mourning, during which she refrained from public duties. This period lasted for eight days, during which she reflected on the deep void left by her husband after their extraordinary 73 years of marriage. Philip’s funeral, which took place on April 17, 2021, was limited to 30 attendees due to COVID-19 protocols, adhering to his wishes for a simple and intimate ceremony.

The funeral was held at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, and the arrangements were made according to Philip’s specifications, including the unique choice of a custom Land Rover hearse. In a departure from traditional royal funeral protocols, many felt the simplicity aligned well with Philip’s character.

Tributes poured in from his family members, with both Prince Harry and Prince William speaking fondly of their grandfather. Harry described Philip as a man of “service, honour and great humour,” while William celebrated the special memories shared between his children and their great-grandfather. Each child of Philip’s described him in loving terms, emphasising the influence he had on their lives and the lessons he imparted.

Public sentiment regarding Philip’s passing was also profound. Due to pandemic restrictions, the royal family encouraged online tributes instead of large public gatherings, suggesting that donations be made to charity in his memory. However, traditional gestures of mourning were still honoured, such as flags being flown at half-mast nationwide. Parliament observed a period of remembrance as members donned black ties and armbands, pausing their legislative duties for eight days.

The legacy of Prince Philip continues to resonate, marked not only by his long-standing commitment to the royal family but also by the many lives he influenced during his lifetime. His passing represents a significant chapter in royal history, evoking both personal and national mourning.