Prince Philip's Secret Eight-Year Cancer Battle Revealed in New Biography
A new royal biography has unveiled that Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer nearly eight years before his death, a condition kept secret from the public throughout his final years. The book, titled Queen Elizabeth II by esteemed royal biographer Hugo Vickers, provides fresh and intimate details about the final chapters of the Queen and Prince Philip's lives, casting new light on the Duke's prolonged health struggle.
A Diagnosis Kept Private
According to the biography, Prince Philip received the devastating diagnosis of inoperable pancreatic cancer in June 2013 when he was 92 years old. Remarkably, he lived with this aggressive condition for almost eight years, far surpassing the typical survival timeline associated with such a diagnosis. His doctors reportedly struggled to comprehend his extended survival, given the severity of the illness. Ultimately, Prince Philip passed away at Windsor Castle in April 2021, just two months shy of his 100th birthday, with his official death certificate listing 'old age' as the cause.
Final Days and Hospital Care
In the weeks leading up to his death, the Duke, who served as the longest-reigning consort in British history, received medical treatment at both King Edward VII Hospital and St Bartholomew's Hospital. Initial reports indicated he was being treated for an infection and also underwent heart surgery related to a pre-existing condition. He returned to Windsor Castle on March 16, 2021, reuniting with Queen Elizabeth II after a month-long hospital stay.
A Characteristic Final Night
The biography, serialised in the Daily Mail, paints a vivid picture of Prince Philip's indomitable spirit even on his last night. Known for his frequent gaffes and extraordinary longevity, the Duke reportedly gave his nurses the slip. Using his zimmer frame, he made his way to the Oak Room, a sitting room within Windsor Castle, where he poured himself a beer. 'The following morning, he got up, had a bath, said he did not feel well and quietly slipped away,' the book recounts.
The Queen's Reaction
Queen Elizabeth II was not present at the moment of her husband's passing after 73 years of marriage. The biography reveals she was left deeply frustrated by his characteristically abrupt departure. According to Hugo Vickers, the Queen described herself as 'absolutely furious that, as so often in life, he left without saying goodbye.' This statement references Prince Philip's lifelong habit of slipping away without warning, a trait that even the Queen herself encountered, often asking staff to alert her when he was leaving, only to find he had already departed.
This new account challenges the public understanding of Prince Philip's health in his later years, highlighting a private battle with cancer that he endured with remarkable resilience, while also offering a poignant glimpse into the personal dynamics of the royal couple's final years together.
