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.
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Source: The Wall Street Journal
