Prince Charles' Last Words To Prince Philip Revealed
In the wake of the death of Prince Philip, the royal family has been reflecting on their time with him and the impact he had on their lives. His wife, Queen Elizabeth has been in deep mourning since the loss of her husband, and his children and grandchildren have been processing the death in their own ways. In a powerful interview, Prince Charles shared his last words with Prince Philip before his death.
Prince Philip died on April 9, 2021 after more than 73 years of marriage with Queen Elizabeth. In their official statement, Buckingham Palace said, "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle." The statement continued, "The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss," per CNN.
At the time of his death, Prince Philip's family was in the process of planning his 100th birthday, per The Daily Mail. Prince Charles was even speaking with his father about the celebration. "We're talking about your birthday," Charles told Philip before repeating himself a bit more loudly to aid his father in hearing him, "We're talking about your birthday! And whether there's going to be reception!" Philip quipped back, "Well, I've got to be alive for it, haven't I?" Charles responded in kind, saying, "I knew you'd say that!"
Inside Prince Charles' relationship with his late father
Prince Charles' exchange with Prince Philip was lighthearted and compassionate. The two were said to have a very good relationship, but not without its challenges. Namely, they were reportedly very different people. In a 2016 interview with royal biographer Gyles Brandreth, Philip explained where their differences lie. "Charles is a romantic — and I am a pragmatist," he said, per The Independent. "That means we do see things differently and because I don't see things as a romantic would, I am unfeeling." It wasn't always happy trails for Charles and Philip. In the 1988 biography, "Charles" by Penny Junor, it was shared that their relationship was strained in Charles' early years.
Regardless of any past struggles that they may have endured, the close relationship that these two had clearly endured into adulthood. The possible final exchange, with lighthearted jokes about birthday celebrations that Philip wasn't too keen on, is evidence of the love they shared. In the months following Prince Philips' death, the family will continue to reflect on the time they spent with him and mourn the loss of their familial leader. The bonds of family live on after death, and that will surely give the royals comfort in their mourning.