Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, battled pancreatic cancer for eight years before his passing, as disclosed by royal historian Hugo Vickers in his latest book. The diagnosis was made in June 2013 when he was 91 years old, raising concerns about his ability to fulfill royal duties. Despite this, Prince Philip continued his official engagements for four more years before stepping back from his royal responsibilities in 2017. He passed away just before his 100th birthday.
In Vickers’ book “Queen Elizabeth II,” he delves into the details of Philip’s final years, mentioning his hospitalization following the cancer diagnosis. The doctors found an inoperable pancreatic cancer, which marked the beginning of his battle with the disease. Despite initial doubts about his public appearances, Prince Philip defied expectations and lived with pancreatic cancer for a longer period than anticipated.
During his last days at Windsor Castle, Prince Philip found solace and quietude. He surprised his nurses by taking a stroll with his Zimmer frame to enjoy a beer in the Oak Room before peacefully passing away. The Queen, who was not present at the time of his death, was reportedly upset that he left without bidding farewell.
With only a limited number of attendees due to the pandemic, Prince Philip’s funeral took place with the late Queen sitting alone at St George’s Chapel in Windsor. His enduring marriage of over 73 years made him the longest-serving Consort in British history, with the Queen describing him as her pillar of strength.
Pancreatic cancer has a low survival rate, with only a small percentage of individuals living beyond five years post-diagnosis. Most cases are diagnosed late, limiting treatment options. In the UK, pancreatic cancer contributes to approximately 10,200 deaths annually.
