The day before he died, Prince Philip spoke on the phone to his oldest son Prince Charles, who later recalled how his late father could not resist one last witty quip
When Prince Philip died in 2021, those closest to him spoke fondly of his humour and quick wit.
As he saw out his final, peaceful days at Windsor Castle before he passed away aged 99, he seemingly retained his sense of fun. And, true to form, the 99-year-old couldn’t resist one last one wisecrack while speaking to his eldest son Prince Charles, the day before he died. In a documentary celebrating the life of his father, Charles recalled the last conversation he had over the phone with Philip just hours before his death. In an intimate interview for a BBC film, the Prince of Wales described how he tentatively broached the subject of Philip’s upcoming 100th birthday and suggested a party, knowing it was something his dad was not keen on.
Prince Philip and the Queen with their oldest children Prince Charles and Princess Anne ( Image: Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images)
And Charles revealed how Philip’s response left him with one last happy memory of his dad’s cheeky nature. He recalled he told the late Duke of Edinburgh that the family had been talking about his 100th birthday. Knowing his father was slightly hard of hearing, Charles then repeated himself more loudly, emphasising: ‘We’re talking about your birthday! And whether there’s going to be a reception!’
To which Charles said Philip replied sharply, without missing a beat: “Well, I’ve got to be alive for it, haven’t I?” Charles then said: “I told him ‘I knew you’d say that!’” and added that it was a happy memory. Yesterday marked exactly one year since Philip’s sad death, with the Royal Family marking the day in private. It is believed that his beloved wife the Queen spent the anniversary at Windsor Castle.
It came as the naval uniform worn by Philip along with his admiral’s cap went on display for the first time on the first anniversary of his death. The items are part of an exhibition at the National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard looking at the Queen’s close links to the Navy as part of celebrations for her Platinum Jubilee. As well as being the daughter and granddaughter of monarchs who served in the Navy, the Queen became an officer’s wife when she married Philip. The exhibition also included photographs depicting the Queen’s many engagements as ceremonial head of the Royal Navy.
