Prince Philip's final request for Charles before his death left King in tears
On 9 April, 2021 came the news that Prince Philip had died at the age of 99.
It not only marked the end of an incredible life of service, but also the end of his 73-year marriage to the Queen. It was later confirmed that Philip had passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle with his wife by his side. And in the days leading up to his death, the Queen remained his constant companion.
In her 2022 book, The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth's Legacy and the Future of the Crown, royal expert Katie Nicholl writes: "According to a family friend: 'Philip slept a lot but [Elizabeth] made sure he was comfortable. She read to him, played him music, and they reminisced, going through family albums together.'"
Other members of the royal family also gathered to spend final moments with the Duke, including eldest son, Charles. And it was during one of their last visits together that Philip made a special request of the heir. "Charles got time with his father as well and Philip told him, 'Whatever you do, promise me you will take care of your mother.' Charles was very emotional.'"
Following Philip's death, then-Prince Charles paid a loving tribute to his father. "As you can imagine, my family and I miss my father enormously," he told reporters outside Highgrove, his Gloucestershire estate.
Kate Middleton swears by £19.99 rosehip oil that helps 'reduce wrinkles & scars'
He described his father 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".
He said: "My dear papa was a very special person who I think above all else would have been amazed by the reaction and the touching things that have been said about him and from that point of view we are, my family, deeply grateful for all that. It will sustain us in this particular loss and at this particularly sad time."
Prince William also spoke out publicly to commemorate Philip's legacy. "My grandfather's century of life was defined by service – to his country and Commonwealth, to his wife and Queen, and to our family," he said.
"I feel lucky to have not just had his example to guide me, but his enduring presence well into my own adult life – both through good times and the hardest days. I will always be grateful that my wife had so many years to get to know my grandfather and for the kindness he showed her. I will never take for granted the special memories my children will always have of their great-grandpa coming to collect them in his carriage and seeing for themselves his infectious sense of adventure as well as his mischievous sense of humour!
"My grandfather was an extraordinary man and part of an extraordinary generation. Catherine and I will continue to do what he would have wanted and will support The Queen in the years ahead. I will miss my Grandpa, but I know he would want us to get on with the job."
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
