Prince Philip's final words to King Charles - who had one last witty joke

Tomorrow is the first anniversary of Prince Philip's death
The late Prince Philip -Credit:Getty Images


As King Charles and Queen Camilla celebrate their 19th wedding anniversary, the day is also marked with a touch of sorrow.

Today also commemorates the third anniversary of the passing of Charles' dearly loved father, the late Prince Philip. He passed away just over a year before his devoted wife, the late Queen, at the age of 99 after spending his final tranquil days at Windsor Castle.

Until his last moments, he maintained his playful spirit, sharp wit, and mischievous sense of humour. In typical fashion, the 99-year-old couldn't resist making one final quip while speaking to his eldest son Charles, the day before he passed.

In a documentary honouring his father's life, Charles recounted the last conversation he had with Philip over the phone, mere hours before his death.

During an intimate interview for a BBC film, the now-King described how he delicately brought up the topic of Philip's impending 100th birthday and suggested a party, despite knowing his father wasn't fond of such celebrations.

Charles shared how Philip's response provided him with one last joyful memory of his father's cheeky character. He informed him that the family had been discussing his 100th birthday and a potential celebration, reports the Mirror.

Aware that his father was slightly hard of hearing, Charles then repeated himself more loudly, emphasising: 'We're talking about your birthday! And whether there's going to be a reception!'.

Charles recalled a sharp retort from his father, Prince Philip, saying: "Well, I've got to be alive for it, haven't I? " Charles then said: "I told him 'I knew you'd say that!'" and added that it was a happy memory.

Since Philip's passing, Charles has fulfilled one of his parents' promises by bestowing his youngest brother, Prince Edward, with Philip's former title. Buckingham Palace announced last year that Edward had assumed the Duke of Edinburgh title, previously held by Philip.

This means that Sophie is now referred to as the Duchess of Edinburgh.

It was widely known that Edward was destined to become the Duke of Edinburgh, following a promise made by the late Queen and Philip on his wedding day in June 1999.

Philip's wish for Edward to inherit the title was a nod to his son's long-standing dedication to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, a youth scheme which is one of Philip's most significant legacies.

In a recent interview with Alan Titchmarsh to celebrate his 60th birthday, Edward commended his late father for being "brilliant with people" even if it sometimes "didn't necessarily come across that way".

"He was always, always encouraging everybody," he said. "You sort of needed to get to know him. Everybody would always comment on my father's sense of humour but that's what he was just doing. He was just an extraordinary man. He was the Prince Albert of our age. He had an extraordinary mind. He loved design, he loved innovation, he was brilliant with all sorts of people."

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