Heartbreaking new claim made over Prince Philip's secret cancer ordeal and reason Queen Elizabeth II was 'furious' after his death
A new book has made claims about the Duke of EdinburghPrince Philip had pancreatic cancer for nearly eight years before his death, a new book has claimed.
The late Duke of Edinburgh died on April 9, 2021 at the age of 99. His death certificate confirmed he died of old age.
However, a new biography has claimed he was battling cancer for many years before his death after a diagnosis in 2013.
Prince Philip ‘battled pancreatic cancer,’ new book claims
According to royal author Hugo Vickers’ new book about Queen Elizabeth II, being serialised in the MailOnline, Prince Philip was given the diagnosis of inoperable pancreatic cancer in June 2013 when he was 92. He stepped down from his royal duties in 2019.
The book alleges that the condition was kept from the public for years and doctors struggled to believe he had survived for so long.
Fast forward to February 2021, Philip was treated in hospital. At the time, the palace confirmed this was for an infection.
The following morning, he got up, had a bath, said he did not feel well and quietly slipped away.
In the March, Philip was moved by ambulance to St Bartholomew’s Hospital to continue treatment for an infection. The palace also confirmed that he underwent “testing and observation” relating to a pre-existing heart condition.
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He then underwent a successful procedure for his heart condition, before moving back to King Edward VII’s Hospital.
He was discharged a week later and returned to Windsor Castle on March 16. Weeks later, the palace announced the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.
Prince Philip’s final hours and why Queen Elizabeth II was ‘furious’ after his death
Philip died at Windsor Castle on April 9. Vickers’ book has now reportedly revealed some details of his final hours.
On the last night of his life, Philip reportedly “gave nurses the slip and shuffled along a corridor” at the castle on his Zimmer frame. He allegedly poured himself a beer and drank it in the Oak Room, Vickers has claimed.
His book added: “The following morning, he got up, had a bath, said he did not feel well and quietly slipped away. By this point, he had lived with pancreatic cancer for nearly eight years – far longer than the usual survival time from diagnosis.”
His wife of 73 years, Queen Elizabeth II, was not present when her husband died. According to Vickers, the queen was “absolutely furious that, as so often in life, he left without saying goodbye”.
Queen Elizabeth II’s heartfelt words after Philip’s death
During her first Christmas speech after Philip’s death in December 2021, the queen said: “Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones. This year especially I understand why.”
She added: “But life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings; and as much as I and my family miss him, I know he would want us to enjoy Christmas.”
Queen’s ‘advice’ to Prince Harry over Meghan
Elsewhere in Vickers’ book, the alleged wedding advice Queen Elizabeth II gave her grandson Prince Harry has seemingly been revealed.
Harry tied the knot with Meghan Markle in May 2018. It came after they got engaged in November 2017.
How Buckingham Palace announced Prince Philip's death and what Queen Elizabeth II said
Weeks prior, the Duke of Edinburgh had a series of health woes. He received treatment in hospital for an infection and also underwent a procedure for a pre-existing heart condition.
After returning home to Windsor Castle, Philip passed away just a few weeks later. His cause of death was confirmed as "old age".
A new book by author Hugo Vickers has since claimed Philip had been living with pancreatic cancer for nearly eight years before his death.
How the death of Prince Philip was announced
On April 9, 2021, a statement was issued by the palace. It read: "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
"His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will be made in due course.
"The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."
His funeral took place on April 17. Due to COVID-19 restrictions at the time, only 30 people could attend the funeral. Queen Elizabeth II attended alongside other senior royals including Prince William and Princess Catherine.
Prince Harry also flew over from the US to attend the service.
Queen Elizabeth II's words after losing 'beloved' Philip
Months on from Philip's death, Queen Elizabeth II gave a personal address to the nation at Christmas time.
She said: "Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones. This year especially I understand why. But for me, in the months since the death of my beloved Philip, I have drawn great comfort from the warmth and affection of the many tributes to his life and work – from around the country, the Commonwealth and the world.
"His sense of service, intellectual curiosity and capacity to squeeze fun out of any situation were all irrepressible. That mischievous, enquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him."
According to Vickers: “The Queen herself suggested that Harry should wait a year. He did not take her advice. Instead, as we know, the wedding went ahead just over six months after the couple’s engagement.”
Royal Insider has contacted Buckingham Palace and Prince Harry for comment on the claims in Vickers’ book.
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