A royal author knew Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth for decades
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were a steadfast source of support for each other throughout their long marriage.
From their early days as newlyweds before Elizabeth unexpectedly ascended to the throne at 25, to their final moments together at Windsor Castle during the COVID lockdowns—when they reportedly took daily walks and shared evening meals—they spent the majority of their lives together.
Yet, despite their deep commitment to one another, a royal author who knew the couple for decades has claimed that Queen Elizabeth was unable to reach Prince Philip’s bedside before his death.
Gyles Brandreth, a former MP who first met Queen Elizabeth in 1968 and had a long association with both her and Prince Philip through the National Playing Fields Association, wrote in his book Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait that Elizabeth likely did not make it to her husband’s side before he passed away on April 9, 2021.
“The Queen was reported to have been at her husband’s bedside when he died on the morning of April 9, 2021. In fact, I don’t believe she was,” the author and royal expert claimed. “The Duke of Edinburgh had been in a hospital bed, set up in his dressing room at Windsor Castle. That morning, he went to the bathroom, helped by a nurse.
Brandreth has said of his closeness to Philip – after the Duke’s death – that despite the kindness the Prince Consort showed to him over the years, there was always a limit on the kind of relationship that could be built with members of the Royal Family.
Speaking to The Times, the author explained, “The Duke showed me great friendliness over 40 years, but royalty offer you friendliness, not friendship, and you have to remember the difference”.
Due to the social distancing restrictions in place, the ceremonial funeral of Prince Philip at Windsor Castle was a scaled-back affair with only 30 guests invited to attend, including Prince Harry who had, only weeks before, given his bombshell interview to Oprah Winfrey.
Late Queen breathed her last on September 8, 2022 at the age 96.
The passing of a beloved royal figure is always a somber event, particularly when it is someone as influential and respected as Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Despite the public’s perception of the royal family as being seemingly untouchable, the intimate details of their personal lives often reveal a different story. In the case of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, their relationship was one of mutual respect and unwavering support, spanning over seven decades.It is a testament to their bond that they were able to weather the storms of life together, from the early days of their marriage to the challenges of royal duty and public scrutiny. Their love story has captured the hearts of people around the world, inspiring many with its enduring nature. However, even in the most loving of relationships, there are moments of sorrow and regret.According to royal author Gyles Brandreth, who had the unique opportunity to observe the royal couple up close for many years, there was a poignant moment of separation between Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in his final hours. Despite the Queen’s deep love for her husband, circumstances beyond her control prevented her from being by his side in his last moments. This revelation sheds light on the complexities of royal life and the sacrifices that come with such a prominent position.In the aftermath of Prince Philip’s passing, the royal family and the world at large mourned the loss of a remarkable individual who had dedicated his life to serving his country and supporting Queen Elizabeth in her role as monarch. The scaled-back funeral, due to restrictions imposed by the global pandemic, was a poignant reminder of the times we live in and the need to adapt to new circumstances.As we reflect on the legacy of Prince Philip and the enduring love story of Queen Elizabeth and her consort, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing those we hold dear. The royal family’s ability to navigate both triumph and tragedy with grace and dignity serves as an example to us all. May we continue to honor their memory and uphold the values they held dear.Join us as we pay tribute to the remarkable lives of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, celebrating their love, resilience, and unwavering commitment to duty. Together, we can learn from their example and find inspiration in their extraordinary story. Let us keep their legacy alive in our hearts and minds, forevermore.
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Source: USA Today
