Prince Philip had pancreatic cancer for nearly eight years before his death, a new book has claimed.
The late Duke of Edinburgh died on April 9, 2021 at the age of 99. His death certificate confirmed he died of old age.
However, a new biography has claimed he was battling cancer for many years before his death after a diagnosis in 2013.
Prince Philip ‘battled pancreatic cancer,’ new book claims
According to royal author Hugo Vickers’ new book about Queen Elizabeth II, being serialised in the MailOnline, Prince Philip was given the diagnosis of inoperable pancreatic cancer in June 2013 when he was 92. He stepped down from his royal duties in 2019.
The book alleges that the condition was kept from the public for years and doctors struggled to believe he had survived for so long.
Fast forward to February 2021, Philip was treated in hospital. At the time, the palace confirmed this was for an infection.
The following morning, he got up, had a bath, said he did not feel well and quietly slipped away.
In the March, Philip was moved by ambulance to St Bartholomew’s Hospital to continue treatment for an infection. The palace also confirmed that he underwent “testing and observation” relating to a pre-existing heart condition.
He then underwent a successful procedure for his heart condition, before moving back to King Edward VII’s Hospital.
He was discharged a week later and returned to Windsor Castle on March 16. Weeks later, the palace announced the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.
Prince Philip’s final hours and why Queen Elizabeth II was ‘furious’ after his death
Philip died at Windsor Castle on April 9. Vickers’ book has now reportedly revealed some details of his final hours.
On the last night of his life, Philip reportedly “gave nurses the slip and shuffled along a corridor” at the castle on his Zimmer frame. He allegedly poured himself a beer and drank it in the Oak Room, Vickers has claimed.
His book added: “The following morning, he got up, had a bath, said he did not feel well and quietly slipped away. By this point, he had lived with pancreatic cancer for nearly eight years – far longer than the usual survival time from diagnosis.”
His wife of 73 years, Queen Elizabeth II, was not present when her husband died. According to Vickers, the queen was “absolutely furious that, as so often in life, he left without saying goodbye”.
Queen Elizabeth II’s heartfelt words after Philip’s death
During her first Christmas speech after Philip’s death in December 2021, the queen said: “Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones. This year especially I understand why.”
She added: “But life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings; and as much as I and my family miss him, I know he would want us to enjoy Christmas.”
Queen’s ‘advice’ to Prince Harry over Meghan
Elsewhere in Vickers’ book, the alleged wedding advice Queen Elizabeth II gave her grandson Prince Harry has seemingly been revealed.
Harry tied the knot with Meghan Markle in May 2018. It came after they got engaged in November 2017.
I’m A Celebrity has come under fire from animal charity PETA, which has accused the show of using “defenceless young crocodiles for laughs” in the latest Bushtucker Trial.
The baby crocs appeared in Aitch’s Bushtucker Trial last night, and viewers were quick to notice that their mouths seemed to be taped shut.
Unsettled fans took to social media during the episode to voice their concerns as the trial played out live on air.
Animal welfare organisation PETA has now spoken out. It insists trials that use live animals “inflicts severe stress and trauma” on them. PETA has also previously called for I’m A Celebrity to be “taken off air” over the Bushtucker Trials. The charity is standing by this today.
PETA brands I’m A Celebrity’s Bushtucker Trial as ‘cruel’
Elisa Allen, PETA’s Vice President of Programmes, exclusively tells our sister site TV Guide that the trial was ‘cruel’
In a statement, they said: “Last night’s episode, which saw defenceless young crocodiles with their mouths taped shut being taunted for laughs, made it clear once again that I’m a Celebrity is a show for and by ignorant people who demonstrate their lack of knowledge and understanding of other forms of life and have no kindness in their hearts.
“As it inflicts severe stress and trauma on sensitive animals, manhandled or crushed while exposed to screaming humans, and it succeeds only in debasing our own species.
“Such cruelty, masquerading as entertainment, should be taken off the air. PETA calls on the British public, still mourning wildlife protector Jane Goodall, to join our campaign and demand that ITV stop tormenting animals, no matter how small or scary to some.”
I’m A Celebrity responds to PETA
I’m A Celebrity has responded to PETA’s criticism of its use of crocodiles and other animals in the show’s trials. In a statement, bosses insist the production teams complies with all of Australia’s regional and national animal laws.
It also insists “welfare and safety” is the show’s “primary priority”.
A spokesperson said: “As a production, I’m A Celebrity complies with all regional and national laws concerning the use of all animals, including reptiles and insects. We inform the RSPCA NSW of all of our activities on the show and they have an open invitation to attend the site at any time.
“At each of the Bushtucker Trials which feature animals, we have qualified and experienced animal handlers on site.”
The spokesperson continues: “The team at I’m A Celebrity have many years of experience in producing the show and have rigorous protocols in place to ensure that animals are handled safely before, during and after filming, in compliance with all regional and national laws. Welfare and safety is always our primary priority.”
Aitch’s Bushtucker Trial
Viewers watched Aitch come face-to-face with young crocodiles during Tuesday night’s episode of I’m A Celebrity. He had entered a ‘vault’ in Jungle Doomsday and had to collect 10 stars for camp.
The crocs were in a cubby hole in the vault and one in particular seemed rather agitated. I’m A Celebrity hosts, Ant and Dec, even jumped in shock as it lurched towards the rapper.
As Aitch peered in the cubby hole and spotted the crocs, he gasped. He then told one of the angry animals: “You, behave yourself.” But a split-second later, it jumped angrily towards him. The rapper was told to be ‘really slow’ by host Ant.
But when he went back in for another attempt, the croc launched at Aitch all over again. The musician ended up trying to gently guide it away while darting in to snatch the dangling star.
Read more: I’m A Celebrity chaos as Eddie Kadi struggles in first look at tonight’s Bushtucker Trial
I’m A Celebrity continues at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX on Wednesday November 19, 2025.
Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know if you agree with PETA’s statement about I’m A Celebrity’s Bushtucker Trials?
According to Vickers: “The Queen herself suggested that Harry should wait a year. He did not take her advice. Instead, as we know, the wedding went ahead just over six months after the couple’s engagement.”
Royal Insider has contacted Buckingham Palace and Prince Harry for comment on the claims in Vickers’ book.
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