Prince Charles became very close with his father during the pandemic.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on April 16, 2021. It has since been updated.
Prince Philip's death saddened the royal family and the world. Though it was not an unexpected event, the royal family is struggling to fill the void left behind by the longest consort in the history of Britain.
Apparently, the Prince, who knew his end was nearing, made sure to pass on some instructions to his son, Prince Charles. According to the Daily Star, Philip had a heart-to-heart conversation with Charles, while he was in the hospital.
Royal commentator Robert Jobson claimed that the father and son engaged in a "full and frank" conversation weeks before Philip's death. King Philip reportedly told his oldest son that he wanted to return to Windsor as he wished to "die in his own bed." Further, Philip instructed his son to look after Queen Elizabeth, his wife of more than 73 years. He also gave him guidelines on how to lead the royal family in his absence.
Jobson stated that Prince Philip was motivated to have such a chat with Charles after he became "aware he was unlikely to recover after weeks in hospital."
"The Duke was doing everything he could to get out of hospital but he summoned his son to have a discussion that was both full and frank, yet heartfelt – and, truth be told, neither of them were sure it would not be their last meeting," said Jobson.
Unfortunately, the Prince's worst fears came true. As he wished, he passed away at his home in Windsor with Queen Elizabeth by his side. Prince Charles, who was not there to witness his father's last moments rushed to Windsor as soon as he heard the news.
Heartbroken by the death, Charles shared an emotional tribute referring to his father as a “very special person,” who would have never expected the reaction he got after he died, according to Page Six.
He stated, "As you can imagine, my family and I miss my father enormously. He was a much loved and appreciated figure and apart from anything else, I can imagine, he would be so deeply touched by the number of other people here and elsewhere around the world and the Commonwealth, who also I think, share our loss and our sorrow. My dear Papa was a very special person who I think above all else would have been amazed by the reaction and the touching things that have been said about him and from that point of view we are, my family, deeply grateful for all that."
Prince Charles did not have a great relationship with his dad during his childhood. According to the Independent, royal biographer, Penny Junor stated that the two had a "difficult relationship."
However, as years went by, the father-son duo managed to share a close bond. During the pandemic, the bond became much stronger and the two kept in constant contact via phone. When Prince Philip was admitted to King Edward VII hospital in London, Charles was by his side. At the time, he told the media that his father was in good spirits despite the health troubles. He also stated that he was thrilled to have his father return home after the heart surgery at St Bartholomew's.
References:
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/prince-philips-three-heartbreaking-final-23893542
https://pagesix.com/2021/04/14/prince-charles-posts-photo-tribute-to-dear-papa-prince-philip/
Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Photo by Jeff Spicer and (R) Photo by Steve Parsons
