Recent claims made by British biographer Hugo Vickers suggest that Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and husband of Queen Elizabeth II, may have lived with pancreatic cancer for several years prior to his death. In his forthcoming book Queen Elizabeth II: A Personal History, Vickers asserts that Prince Philip was diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer in 2013—approximately eight years before his death in April 2021 at the age of 99.
According to Vickers, medical examinations at the time revealed a concerning “shadow” on the Duke’s pancreas. Despite undergoing surgery, doctors reportedly concluded that the condition was inoperable. Following a brief hospitalization, Prince Philip was discharged to recover at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. Initially, there were concerns that he might withdraw permanently from public life; however, he resumed official duties later that same year, demonstrating notable resilience.
Prince Philip continued to carry out royal engagements until his retirement in 2017. In his later years, he lived primarily at Wood Farm, maintaining a relatively private lifestyle. Official records listed his cause of death as “old age,” just two months before his 100th birthday.
Vickers further claims that the Duke had little desire to reach his centenary, reportedly disliking the public attention associated with such milestones. Descriptions of his final hours portray a degree of independence and characteristic determination, noting that he remained active until shortly before his passing.
The account also highlights a personal detail regarding Queen Elizabeth II, stating that she was not present at the moment of his death. Vickers suggests that she was deeply affected by this, as Prince Philip had, throughout their life together, often departed quietly without formal farewells.
While these claims provide a compelling narrative of Prince Philip’s final years, it is important to note that they are based on biographical interpretation and have not been officially confirmed by the royal household.
