REALITY TV
TV
MOVIES
MUSIC
CELEBRITY
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use Accuracy & Fairness Corrections & Clarifications Ethics Code Your Ad Choices
© MEAWW All rights reserved
MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

Prince Philip's final heart-to-heart with Charles: Duke advised son how to lead royal family, take care of Queen

Prince Philip had just three important things to say when he asked to see his eldest son in hospital a few weeks ago. In an emotional bedside conversation, the duke advised him to care for the Queen when he was gone, and on how Charles should lead the family
PUBLISHED APR 11, 2021
Prince Charles (left) talking to his father, the Duke of Edinburgh, in front of a fireplace at Sandringham, Scotland, 1969 (Getty Images)
Prince Charles (left) talking to his father, the Duke of Edinburgh, in front of a fireplace at Sandringham, Scotland, 1969 (Getty Images)

Prince Charles paid tribute to his late father Prince Philip, who died on Friday, April 9, at the age of 99, referring to him as “My dear Papa”, and calling him “a very special person who I think above all else”. Now, reports have revealed that the father-son shared words before the Duke of Edinburgh’s passing. 

As per reports, Prince Philip had just three important things to say when he asked to see his eldest son in hospital a few weeks ago. In an emotional bedside conversation, the duke reportedly advised Prince Charles to care for Queen Elizabeth II when he was gone, and on how Charles should lead the royal family through the years ahead.

READ MORE

Was Prince Philip jealous of Charles? Duke of Edinburgh felt he 'lost' mentor Lord Mountbatten to the eldest son

Prince Philip was cruel to Charles and bullied him for not being 'man enough', says book: 'Charles was scared'

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales departs King Edward VII hospital where Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh is currently receiving treatment on February 20, 2021, in London, England. (Getty Images)

Prince Philip also expressed his wish to go home after being hospitalized for a while, a Palace source revealed. He wanted to die in his own bed, behind the walls of Windsor Castle, as per the source.

The father and son’s relationship while Charles was growing up was allegedly contentious with reports of jealousy and bullying between the two. Prince Philip's reported neglect of his son began as early as Prince Charles' birth. Philip was reportedly not in attendance when Charles was born and was out playing squash instead.

Charles was an introvert when he was growing up and gravitated towards the arts rather than sports. This reportedly disappointed Philip, who pushed Charles to be less sensitive about things and tried to toughen him up. As a result, Prince Charles developed a closer bond with his grandmother, Elizabeth, who was also known as Queen Mother.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, (C) in his role as Captain-General, Royal Marines, makes his final individual public engagement as he attends a parade to mark the finale of the 1664 Global Challenge, on the Buckingham Palace Forecourt on August 2, 2017, in London, England. (Getty Images)

In the 2001 book, 'Diana: Story of a Princess', royal expert Penny Junor told author Tim Clayton that Philip was sometimes too tough on Charles and came across as a bully. As a result, Prince Charles suffered from self-esteem issues and always felt like he was disappointing his father.

But their relationship changed. “They've both mellowed,” said a royal source. “In recent years they were much more accepting of the other's point of view. They have always loved one another – that was never in question. But there was a deeper respect and it was growing.”

“They shared common ground on the future direction of the monarchy, on religious issues -- even on the environment. They both believed in inter-faith dialogue and that talking openly and honestly, can only help strengthen communities and understanding,” the source added.

A close friend of the Philip said: “The idea that these are two men who spent a lifetime at loggerheads, and that Princess Anne was the son he wished he'd had, is out of date and wrong. A much more accurate picture over the last ten years is of two very strong-willed people who came to understand each other's point of view. A father and son who loved each other and enjoyed a relationship of mutual respect and affection.” 

POPULAR ON MEAWW
MORE ON MEAWW