Royal Historian Claims Prince Philip Quietly Battled Cancer for Years
According to a new book by esteemed royal historian Hugo Vickers, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, lived with inoperable pancreatic cancer for eight years before his death in April 2021. The revelation comes from Vickers' forthcoming publication titled "Queen Elizabeth II," which delves into the private health struggles of the late royal consort.
Diagnosis and Official Records
The Duke was reportedly diagnosed in June 2013 during a hospital visit when he was 91 years old. Doctors detected what was described as a "shadow" on his pancreas, leading to the diagnosis. Despite this serious condition, his official cause of death was recorded as "old age" following his discharge from hospital after a procedure for a pre-existing heart condition. This discrepancy highlights the private nature of his health battles.
Final Days and Personal Wishes
Vickers' account provides intimate details of Philip's final moments. The book claims that the Duke spent his last night enjoying a beer and then "quietly slipped away" the next morning. Remarkably, he had outlived the typical survival time for pancreatic cancer, which often has a poor prognosis. Additionally, the historian suggests that Philip did not wish to reach his 100th birthday, reportedly due to his dislike for the fuss and attention such a milestone would bring.
Emotional Impact on the Royal Family
The book also touches on the emotional aftermath within the royal family. It is reported that Queen Elizabeth II was upset that Philip "left without saying goodbye," adding a layer of personal sorrow to the historical narrative. This insight offers a glimpse into the private grief experienced by the monarch following the loss of her husband of over seven decades.
The revelations from Hugo Vickers' book shed new light on the resilience and private struggles of Prince Philip, challenging the public perception of his final years and emphasizing the personal sacrifices made by members of the royal family.
