PRINCE PHILIP’S friend has revealed the Duke gave a morbid prediction over his own death while he was ill in hospital earlier this year.
The Duke of Edinburgh passed away aged 99 last week, having spent 28 days in hospital this spring. Gyles Brandreth, the late royal’s friend and biographer, described the lengthy hospitalisation as “pretty ghastly”.
Writing for the Daily Mail, the journalist and former politician said he had been in contact with Philip during his treatment.
Mr Brandreth said the royal had told him he was “on the way out”.
He said: “When he became ill in February, he said ‘I’m on the way out’ — but he had been saying that for years.
“His final month in hospital was ‘pretty ghastly’, principally because he no longer had the energy and concentration to read — and reading was one of the sustaining pleasures of his retirement.
Prince Philip’s friend has revealed the Duke gave a morbid prediction over his own death (Image: Getty)
A two minute silence was held in memory of Prince Philip ahead of the Premier League match between Burnley and Newcastle United at Turf Moor on April 11 (Image: Getty)
“‘Staring at the ceiling is bloody boring.'”
The Queen’s husband was first admitted to King Edward VII’s hospital in central London on February 16 after feeling unwell.
He was later transferred to St Bartholemew’s hospital, also in London, to be treated for a pre-existing heart condition.
The Duke was later transferred back to King Edward’s.
He returned to Windsor Castle, where the Queen is currently residing, on March 16 and was said to be in “good spirits”.
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Floral tributes and messages of condolence following the death of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh outside Buckingham Palace (Image: Getty)
But on Friday at 12pm, Buckingham Palace announced the sad news that Philip had passed away in his sleep.
They said in a statement: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.
“Further announcements will be made in due course.
Gyles Brandreth was the royal’s friend and biographer (Image: Getty)
The Union Flag is flown at half-mast from the top of Buckingham Palace (Image: Getty)
“The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
Preparations are currently under way for Philip’s funeral, which will take place at 3pm on Saturday, April 17.
The ceremony will be held at St George’s Chapel, in the grounds of Windsor Castle, and will be televised.
Due to coronavirus restrictions, just 30 people will be allowed to attend, socially distanced.
World leaders when Prince Philip became consort (Image: Express)
The list of guests has not yet been announced, though it has been confirmed Prince Harry will attend.
The Duke, who is currently living in the US with his wife, Meghan Markle, is understood to have already returned to the UK.
The Duchess, who is heavily pregnant with her second child, will not be making the trip, on medical advice.
Royal reporter Omid Scobie said Meghan “made ‘every effort’ to ravel but didn’t receive medical clearance from her physician.”
Source: EXPRESS CO UK
