Royal Historian Exposes Prince Philip's Eight-Year Secret Struggle with Pancreatic Cancer
In a startling revelation, royal historian Hugo Vickers has detailed that Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, secretly battled pancreatic cancer for eight years before his passing. According to Vickers' new book titled Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke was diagnosed with the disease in June 2013 at the age of 91, a fact previously undisclosed to the public.
Diagnosis and Initial Medical Intervention
Vickers explains that doctors detected a shadow on Philip's pancreas during an examination, leading to a surgical procedure where he was cut across his stomach. The verdict was grim: inoperable pancreatic cancer. Following his diagnosis, Philip had an initial hospital stay before being discharged to recover at home. There were immediate concerns among royal circles that he might not be able to resume his public duties.
Defying Expectations and Continuing Royal Engagements
Despite the prognosis, Prince Philip remarkably outwitted the pessimists. He continued to appear at official engagements for another four years, only stepping back from his royal role in 2017. Vickers notes that this survival period was far longer than typically expected for such a diagnosis, highlighting the Duke's resilience.
Final Days and Peaceful Passing
In his final years, Philip resided at Windsor Castle, where he found elements of tranquillity. Vickers recounts a poignant anecdote from the last night of his life: Philip gave his nurses the slip, shuffled along a corridor on his Zimmer frame, helped himself to a beer, and drank it in the Oak Room. The following morning, he got up, had a bath, expressed feeling unwell, and quietly slipped away.
Queen Elizabeth II's Reaction and Funeral Details
The late Queen Elizabeth II, who was not present at the time of his death, was reportedly absolutely furious that Philip left without saying goodbye, a sentiment Vickers captures in his book. Prince Philip passed away on April 9, 2021, just two months before his 100th birthday, with his official cause of death listed as old age. His funeral, held during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, saw limited attendance, and Queen Elizabeth was pictured sitting alone, wearing a mask, at St George's Chapel in Windsor.
This disclosure sheds new light on the private health struggles of a key royal figure, underscoring his determination and the quiet dignity with which he faced a terminal illness.
