Prince Philip's Official Cause Of Death Was Just Released
The Duke of Edinburgh's official cause of death has been released. According to The Telegraph, the head of the royal medical household and physician to the queen, Sir Huw Thomas, confirmed that the senior royal died of "old age' (via People).
Sir Huw Thomas had been caring for the Duke of Edinburgh since 2014, and the term "old age" is generally considered an acceptable cause of death if the person is above the age of 80, and their physician has overseen their health for a significant period of time.
Prince Philip died peacefully at the age of 99 on Friday, April 9 at Windsor Castle, where he had returned to live with Queen Elizabeth II following a 28-day stay in the hospital. In addition to Her Majesty, he is survived by his daughter Princess Anne, and three sons Prince Charles, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward.
As The Daily Mail reported, the Duke of Edinburgh's death was registered with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead on Tuesday, April 13, just four days after his death. The document references the Duke's Greek heritage, and lists Philip's full name, "His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh formerly known as Prince Philippos of Greece and Denmark formerly known as Philip Mountbatten."
Penned by his private secretary, Brigadier Archie Miller-Bakewell, Philip's death certificate also listed his occupation as "Naval Officer" and "Prince of the United Kingdom."
Prince Philip had experienced several health issues in recent years
As People reported, Prince Philip had experienced a string of health issues in the years following his retreat from public duties in 2017. He received hip replacement surgery in 2018, had a car accident and subsequent hospitalization for a "pre-existing condition" in 2019, and, most recently, a month-long stay in St. Bartholomew's and King Edward VII hospital in early 2021, following treatment for a "pre-existing heart condition."
However, weeks after returning home to Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace announced the death of the senior royal (via the BBC). A statement released by the palace on Friday, April 9, read, "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband." The royal statement continued, "The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss." The sad news sparked a wave of public tributes, including from U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who credited Prince Philip for inspiring "the lives of countless young people."
Speaking in the days following the Duke of Edinburgh's death, Prince Charles also shared a touching tribute to his late father (via The Independent). In a heartfelt tribute video, the Prince of Wales, who is next in line to the throne, described his father as "a much-loved and appreciated figure." He continued, "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."
Prince Philip's funeral broke with royal tradition
As the BBC reported, the Duke of Edinburgh was laid to rest during a smaller than usual ceremonial funeral service at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on Saturday, April 17. The funeral ceremony was conducted by the Dean of Windsor and over 730 members of the armed forces were involved in the proceedings. However, due to U.K. coronavirus restrictions, only 30 mourners were permitted inside St. George's Chapel.
During the emotional service, the Dean of Windsor spoke of the Duke's "kindness, humour and humanity." The congregation were required to wear face masks and remain socially distanced, which meant the newly-widowed queen was forced to sit alone.
As The Sun reports, Her Majesty the Queen later thanked the Great British public for their "support and kindness" in the wake of her husband of 73 years' death. "My family and I would like to thank you all for the support and kindness shown to us in recent days," the queen said in a statement, adding, "We have been deeply touched, and continue to be reminded that Philip had such an extraordinary impact on countless people throughout his life."
In the message released on Queen Elizabeth's 95th birthday, Her Majesty said she "very much" appreciated all the "messages of good wishes." She continued, "While as a family we are in a period of great sadness, it has been a comfort to us all to see and to hear the tributes paid to my husband."