King Charles recently opened up about the final conversation he shared with his father, Prince Philip, just hours before the Duke of Edinburgh passed away. Philip died five years ago today, in 2021, at the age of 99, spending his final days peacefully at Windsor Castle.
In a touching BBC documentary commemorating Prince Philip’s life, King Charles recalled their last exchange, highlighting his father’s signature sharp wit and mischievous humour. The day before Philip’s passing, Charles spoke about his father’s upcoming 100th birthday and the possibility of holding a celebration in his honour.
Knowing that his father’s hearing had deteriorated, Charles made sure to speak loudly and clearly: “We’re talking about your birthday! And whether there’s going to be a reception!” To this, Philip responded with his characteristic dry humour: “Well, I’ve got to be alive for it, haven’t I?” Charles added with a smile, “I knew you’d say that!”
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Despite the sombre circumstances, King Charles described this final exchange as a cherished and joyful memory. Royal biographer Katie Nicholl, in her 2022 book The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy and the Future of the Crown, shared that Charles also experienced a deeply moving moment with Philip shortly before his passing. Philip asked Charles with heartfelt urgency, “Whatever you do, promise me you will take care of your mother.” This request left Charles visibly emotional.
Following Philip’s passing, then-Prince Charles paid tribute outside his Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire, expressing the profound sense of loss felt by his family. “As you can imagine, my family and I miss my father enormously,” he said.
He described Prince Philip as “a much-loved and appreciated figure” who would have been deeply moved by the global outpouring of grief and respect from the Commonwealth and beyond. Charles added, “My dear papa was a very special person who, above all else, would have been amazed by the reaction and the touching things that have been said about him. From that point of view, we are deeply grateful. It will sustain us through this particularly sad time.”