A deeply personal letter written by Queen Elizabeth II in April 2021, just days after Prince Philip's death, has resurfaced online, leaving royal fans moved by the late monarch's heartfelt words. The correspondence, addressed to William Inglis, estate factor at Glamis Castle in Angus, Scotland, was shared on X, formerly Twitter, and quickly captivated royal enthusiasts.
Background of the Royal Couple
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip enjoyed a remarkable 73-year marriage. After exchanging vows at Westminster Abbey on November 20, 1947, they remained by each other's side through every challenge, including when Elizabeth ascended to the throne in 1952 at just 25 years old, following her father King George VI's death. The couple navigated extraordinary chapters in British history together, from the Aberfan disaster in 1966 to what the Queen termed her "annus horribilis" in 1992, in which Windsor Castle caught fire and three of their four children's marriages ended. Their devotion to one another endured until the Duke of Edinburgh's passing in April 2021, aged 99. He holds the distinction of being Britain's longest-serving royal consort.
The Letter's Content
The letter, dated April 2021, opens with the words "Dear Mr Inglis" in the Queen's own hand. A typed section then reads: "Thank you so much for your kind message of sympathy on the death of Philip. We must all be grateful that he lived such a long and full life during which he gave great encouragement to so many. He was an inspiration to us all, particularly to the members of his family who will miss him so very much." This is followed by a hand-written addition: "Please pass on my thanks to all at Glamis for their kind thoughts at this time, which I much appreciated. Yours sincerely, Elizabeth."
Public Reaction
Royal enthusiasts were left in awe by the letter. One remarked: "She was an icon... a true Royal." Another simply wrote: "She's missed." The letter highlights the Queen's personal touch and gratitude even in her grief.
Details of Prince Philip's Death
Prince Philip's death certificate recorded old age as his cause of death, recognised when the individual is aged 80 or above and the attending doctor has overseen their care for an extended period, witnessing a gradual deterioration. According to the Telegraph, the certificate references Philip's Greek heritage and his surname Mountbatten. It records the Duke's full name as: "His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh formerly known as Prince Philippos of Greece and Denmark formerly known as Philip Mountbatten." The certificate further lists his occupation as Naval Officer and Prince of the United Kingdom, followed by "husband of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, The Sovereign."
Philip's Health Before Death
According to a book published earlier this year, Philip had been living with inoperable pancreatic cancer for nearly eight years before his death. Biographer Hugo Vickers disclosed that the late royal received his diagnosis during a hospital admission in June 2013. The book, entitled Queen Elizabeth II, reveals Prince Philip evaded his nurses the evening before he died and made his way along a corridor at Windsor Castle using his Zimmer frame, poured himself a beer, and consumed it in the Oak Room, a sitting room at the residence. It continues: "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." The Queen was not with her husband when he died.
