Just a few short weeks ago, the nation breathed a sigh of relief as Prince Philip was discharged from his month-long hospital stay.
However, the sad news of his death on Friday has left many in shock and mourning, especially as the cause has yet to be disclosed.
The Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to King Edward VII’s Hospital in London on February 16 after feeling unwell.
His health struggles saw him undergo a successful procedure for an existing heart condition at St Bartholomew’s Hospital shortly after.
This entry into the healthcare system marked the longest time he had ever spent in a hospital.
After being released on March 16, optimism filled the air as he returned to Windsor Castle.
Reports indicated that he was in “good spirits,” and Buckingham Palace released a statement confirming his discharge was due to treatment for an infection along with a successful procedure addressing his heart issue.
In a heartfelt message, the palace noted that the Duke expressed his gratitude to the medical team for their exceptional care and to everyone who sent their good wishes during his recovery.
It’s a touching sentiment that resonated with many who had kept him in their thoughts.
Although the precise reasons behind his initial hospital visit remain private, officials clarified that it was not linked to the coronavirus.
Both he and the Queen received their first COVID vaccine jab on January 9, showcasing efforts to protect themselves during the pandemic.
Unfortunately, the Duke’s health had been on a downward trend for a while.
He himself had jokingly admitted he found it increasingly difficult to stand during royal duties, especially after stepping back from these commitments in May 2017.
His last public outing took place during a Royal Marines parade at Buckingham Palace later that same year.
Post-retirement, he significantly reduced his public engagements, opting to spend more time at the Queen’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
Celebrating his 99th birthday during the pandemic, he relocated to Windsor Castle to be close to the Queen for most of the lockdown period, highlighting the importance of family support in challenging times.
On the day of his final hospital release, onlookers noted the somber scene as he exited in a wheelchair, supported by aides as he was helped into a waiting car.
This image reflected his frail state, contrasting with the vibrant spirit he once embodied.
A timeline of Philip’s death
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, experienced several health issues in the years before his death.
He was admitted to the hospital in 2012 for a bladder infection, underwent exploratory abdominal surgery in 2013, and had hip replacement surgery in 2018.
In February 2021, at the age of 99, the Duke was admitted to King Edward VII’s Hospital as a precaution after feeling unwell.
He was later transferred to St Bartholomew’s Hospital, where he underwent a successful procedure for a pre-existing heart condition.
After a few weeks of recovery, he was discharged and returned to Windsor Castle in mid-March.
Just three weeks later, on the morning of 9 April 2021, the royal family announced that the Duke had died peacefully at Windsor Castle.
His daughter-in-law, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, later described his passing as gentle, saying it was as if someone had taken him by the hand.
The Queen was at his bedside when he died. The death certificate listed the cause of death as “old age.”
In accordance with long-standing plans, the Duke’s death triggered a national plan known as Operation Forth Bridge, though it was adjusted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Buckingham Palace released a statement to the BBC and other media, and flags across the UK were lowered to half-mast.
The Royal Standard at Windsor Castle, however, remained at full-mast as it represents the reigning monarch.
Members of Parliament observed mourning traditions by wearing black ties and black armbands, and no new laws were passed during the eight-day mourning period.
That evening, the tenor bell at Westminster Abbey tolled once every minute for 99 minutes—one for each year of the Duke’s life.
Military rehearsals for the funeral procession were held at Pirbright Camp, and a full dress rehearsal took place at Windsor Castle a few days before the service.
The funeral was held on 17 April 2021 at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
