A letter written by Queen Elizabeth II following the death of her husband, Prince Philip, in April 2021 has re-emerged, captivating royal enthusiasts. The correspondence, addressed to William Inglis, the estate factor at Glamis Castle in Angus, Scotland, showcases the late monarch's personal touch and gratitude.
Details of the Letter
The letter, dated April 2021, begins with "Dear Mr Inglis" in the Queen's handwriting. A typed section 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." A handwritten addition states: "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 fans were moved by the letter, which was posted on X, formerly Twitter. One user commented: "She was an icon... a true Royal." Another wrote: "She's missed." The letter was shared by Katherine Carter on July 1, 2026, with the caption: "Truly moved by this letter from Queen Elizabeth II following the death of her husband, Prince Philip, in 2021."
Prince Philip's Death and Legacy
Prince Philip, the longest-serving royal consort in British history, died at the age of 99 in April 2021. His death certificate listed old age as the cause of death, according to The Telegraph. The certificate also noted his Greek heritage and surname Mountbatten, listing his 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." His occupation was listed as Naval Officer and Prince of the United Kingdom, followed by "husband of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, The Sovereign."
Biographer's Revelations
According to a book titled Queen Elizabeth II by biographer Hugo Vickers, released earlier this year, Prince Philip had been living with inoperable pancreatic cancer for nearly eight years prior to his death. He was diagnosed during a hospital stay in June 2013. The book reveals that the night before he died, Philip gave his nurses the slip, shuffled along a corridor at Windsor Castle using his Zimmer frame, poured himself a beer, and drank it in the Oak Room. The following morning, he got up, had a bath, said he did not feel well, and quietly passed away. The Queen was not with him at the time of his death.
The Queen and Prince Philip's Marriage
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were married for 73 years, tying the knot at Westminster Abbey on November 20, 1947. They remained devoted through significant historical events, including the Aberfan disaster in 1966 and the Queen's "annus horribilis" in 1992, which saw Windsor Castle catch fire and the breakdown of three of their children's marriages. Philip's death marked the end of an era for the royal family and the nation.
