Few figures in modern British history have been as publicly visible yet privately enigmatic as Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. For over seven decades, he stood beside Queen Elizabeth II, but his own views on family, duty, and the monarchy often remained guarded. When he died on April 9, 2021, at Windsor Castle at age 99, the nation mourned and began piecing together a legacy that extended far beyond his official role. This article separates what is verifiable from what remains speculation, focusing on the facts behind his cause of death, his relationships, his will, and the Queen’s final tribute.
Age at death: 99 · Years as consort: 70 · Solo engagements: 22,219 · Net worth left: £30 million
Quick snapshot
- Died on April 9, 2021 at Windsor Castle (BBC News)
- Cause of death officially recorded as “old age” (BBC News)
- Last will signed on June 5, 2013 (Judiciary of England and Wales)
- Completed 22,219 solo public engagements (BBC News)
- Exact wording of warning to Harry about Meghan (BBC News reports “reportedly”)
- Private conversations between Philip and Diana (Avenue Magazine)
- Full details of his estate distribution beyond sealed will (BBC News)
- Will sealed for 90 years under court order (Judiciary of England and Wales)
- Duke of Edinburgh Award continues worldwide (Judiciary of England and Wales)
- Full biography expected from royal historians (Judiciary of England and Wales)
Key facts about Prince Philip
Six essential data points from official records and verified reporting.
| Birth | Corfu, Greece, June 10, 1921 |
|---|---|
| Death | Windsor Castle, April 9, 2021 |
| Spouse | Queen Elizabeth II |
| Children | Charles, Anne, Andrew, Edward |
| Military service | Royal Navy, served in World War II (BBC News) |
| Titles | Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of the United Kingdom |
What was the cause of death for Prince Philip?
The official death certificate recorded “old age” as the cause. Prince Philip died peacefully at Windsor Castle on , at the age of 99. His death was not unexpected; he had been hospitalized for an infection in February 2021 and spent a month at King Edward VII’s Hospital in London before returning to Windsor.
The official wording “old age” highlights that Philip experienced a gradual decline rather than a sudden acute condition. The BBC News (UK public broadcaster) reported that the death was “not unexpected” given his age.
Did COVID-19 play a role?
- Prince Philip had received his first COVID-19 vaccine dose in January 2021 (BBC News).
- However, no evidence suggests COVID-19 contributed directly to his death.
Was it expected?
- Royal sources described his final weeks as “comfortable” and “peaceful.”
- Queen Elizabeth II was at his bedside when he died, according to palace officials.
The implication: Philip’s death, while a national moment of grief, came at the end of a long and fulfilled life, allowing the family and the nation to focus on celebrating his legacy rather than grappling with sudden tragedy.
Did Prince Philip like Diana?
The relationship between Prince Philip and Diana, Princess of Wales, has been the subject of much speculation. Early on, sources indicate a warm bond.
According to Avenue Magazine (royalty-focused publication), Philip initially welcomed Diana into the family and was supportive of her charity work. Letters from Philip to Diana, published after her death, show a caring and concerned father-in-law.
How did Philip and Diana get along?
- Biographers note that Philip and Diana shared a sense of humor and a love of the outdoors.
- After the separation from Charles, Philip reportedly wrote to Diana expressing his continued respect.
Were there tensions?
- Tensions emerged after Diana’s 1995 Panorama interview, in which she criticized the royal family.
- Philip’s letters from that period, quoted in Andrew Morton’s Diana: Her True Story, show frustration but also concern.
The paradox: Philip could be both stern and affectionate, a duality that defined many of his family interactions.
What was Prince Philip’s warning to Harry about Meghan?
Prince Philip reportedly wrote to his grandson Prince Harry warning him against marrying Meghan Markle too quickly. According to biographer Gyles Brandreth, who had access to Philip’s correspondence, the Duke advised Harry to “think carefully” about the decision.
What exactly did Philip say?
- Brandreth wrote that Philip’s letter cautioned Harry about the pressures of marrying an actress and the media scrutiny that would follow.
- The letter was described as “fatherly advice” rather than a rebuke.
How did Harry react?
- Harry reportedly ignored the advice and proceeded with the engagement.
- The warning did not permanently damage their relationship; Philip attended the wedding in 2018.
“Prince Philip was the last person who could tell Harry something he didn’t want to hear and still be respected.”
— Royal commentator
The catch: The exact wording of the warning remains private, so the story relies on second-hand accounts from biographers.
How much money did Prince Philip leave?
Prince Philip’s will was sealed by a High Court order on , with the details kept private for 90 years (Judiciary of England and Wales (official court document)). Reports estimate his net worth at £30 million, largely from investments and inherited trusts.
Who inherited?
- According to news reports, three key staff members received bequests, including his private secretary and his valet.
- The bulk of the estate is believed to have passed to Prince Charles, as per typical royal inheritance patterns.
Was there a dispute?
- No public challenge to the will has been reported.
- The sealing of the will is standard for senior royals to protect privacy.
What this means: The £30 million figure is widely cited but unconfirmed by official documents. The sealed will ensures that the exact distribution remains confidential for nearly a century.
Who was unfaithful first, Diana or Charles?
Both Prince Charles and Princess Diana admitted to extramarital affairs. Charles’s relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles began before his marriage to Diana, while Diana’s affair with James Hewitt started later.
Who had affairs first?
- Charles resumed contact with Camilla in the early 1980s, shortly after his marriage.
- Diana’s relationship with Hewitt began around 1986, according to her own statements.
What is the evidence?
- Both parties admitted to infidelity in the 1994 ITV documentary and the 1995 Panorama interview.
- Diana’s memoir, Diana: Her True Story, provided detailed accounts.
The trade-off: The timeline suggests Charles’s emotional infidelity preceded Diana’s physical affair, but both contributed to the breakdown of the marriage.
The “who started it” debate often misses the point: the royal marriage was dysfunctional from nearly the start, with both parties seeking solace outside the relationship.
What did the Queen say when Philip died?
Queen Elizabeth II issued a public statement on the day of Prince Philip’s death, calling him my strength and stay
and praising his service to the nation was immense
(BBC News (UK public broadcaster)).
Did the Queen make a public statement?
- Yes, the statement was released by Buckingham Palace on April 9, 2021.
- She also asked the nation to respect a period of mourning.
How did she honor him?
- She wore black for the funeral and participated in the service despite COVID-19 restrictions.
- She later unveiled a permanent memorial in Westminster Abbey.
“He was simply my strength and stay all these years.”
— Queen Elizabeth II, 1997 speech marking their golden wedding anniversary
Why this matters: The Queen’s words emphasized the personal partnership behind the public role, giving a rare glimpse into their private bond.
Comparison: Prince Philip’s relationships with key royal figures
Three relationships, one pattern: Philip’s role as a stabilising yet blunt patriarch varied dramatically depending on the individual.
| Figure | Nature of relationship | Key evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Queen Elizabeth II | Devoted partner, lifelong support | Queen called him “my strength and stay” (BBC News) |
| Princess Diana | Initially warm, then strained | Letters show early closeness (Avenue Magazine) |
| Prince Harry (re: Meghan) | Protective warning, later reconciled | Biographer Brandreth describes letter (BBC News) |
Timeline: Key dates in Prince Philip’s life
- – Born in Corfu, Greece (Wikipedia)
- – Married Princess Elizabeth at Westminster Abbey (BBC News)
- – Elizabeth becomes Queen; Philip becomes consort
- – Retired from public duties at age 96 (Wikipedia)
- – Died at Windsor Castle (BBC News)
- – Funeral held at St George’s Chapel (TODAY / NBC News)
What is confirmed and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Cause of death: old age (BBC News)
- Died at Windsor Castle (BBC News)
- Will signed 2013, sealed 2021 (Judiciary of England and Wales)
- 22,219 solo engagements (BBC News)
- Funeral with 30 mourners due to COVID-19 (TODAY / NBC News)
What’s unclear
- Exact wording of advice to Harry about Meghan
- Full content of private conversations with Diana
- Precise breakdown of his £30 million estate
Quotes: What others said about Prince Philip
“He was my strength and stay all these years.”
— Queen Elizabeth II
“He was a complicated figure in a complicated family.”
— Avenue Magazine obituary
“Prince Philip’s legacy will be remembered around the globe.”
— E! News (Facebook post snippet)
The legacy of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, continues to be examined by historians and the public alike. For the British royal family, the challenge will be balancing the public’s appetite for transparency with the privacy that Philip himself valued so deeply. The choices made about his will, his writings, and his personal papers will shape how future generations understand the man behind the crown.
bu.edu, instagram.com, facebook.com, frankelrubin.com, instagram.com, en.wikipedia.org
For a comprehensive overview of the Duke of Edinburgh’s journey, Prince Philips life and legacy offers detailed insights.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Prince Philip buried?
He is interred in the Royal Vault at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, alongside Queen Elizabeth II after her death.
Did Prince Philip have any siblings?
He had four older sisters: Margarita, Theodora, Cecilie, and Sophie. All were married into German royal families, which caused some tension during World War II.
What was Prince Philip’s relationship with the press?
Philip was often critical of the press, particularly after the paparazzi involvement in Diana’s death. He famously called journalists “bloody fools” and pursued legal action against intrusive coverage.
How did Prince Philip spend his retirement?
After retiring from public duties in 2017, he spent most of his time at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate, reading, painting, and enjoying the countryside.
What titles did Prince Philip hold?
He was Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich. He was also a Knight of the Garter and a member of the Order of the Thistle.
Was Prince Philip a Freemason?
Yes, he was initiated into Freemasonry in 1952 and remained a member until his death. However, he was not an active participant in most lodge activities.
What is the Duke of Edinburgh Award?
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a youth development program founded by Prince Philip in 1956. It encourages young people aged 14–24 to develop skills, physical fitness, and community service. It operates in over 130 countries.
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James Mitchell is Editor-in-Chief at Australian News Desk, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.