Prince Philip | Source: Getty Images
New Book Claims Prince Philip Had Pancreatic Cancer for Years Before His Death
Apr 01, 2026 - 09:00 A.M.
A new claim from historian Hugo Vickers suggests Prince Philip quietly battled pancreatic cancer for years before his death in 2021. The account offers fresh details about the Duke of Edinburgh’s final years, his health, and his private final moments.
A new historical account is shedding light on Prince Philip’s final years, offering claims about a serious illness that was never publicly disclosed during his lifetime.
Historian Hugo Vickers alleges that the Duke of Edinburgh had been living with pancreatic cancer long before his death in 2021.
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh meets guests during a garden party held at Buckingham Palace on June 3, 2013 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Claims of a Long-Term Illness
According to Vickers, Prince Philip was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2013. The condition was reportedly inoperable. After a hospital stay, he returned home to recuperate.
Despite the severity of the diagnosis, Prince Philip did not withdraw from public life as some had expected. Those aware of his condition believed he would significantly reduce his appearances. Instead, he resumed royal duties in August 2013.
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh arrives to start his Christmas Break at Sandringham at King's Lynn Station on December 17, 2015 in King's Lynn, England. | Source: Getty Images
Continued Public Service and Retirement
Prince Philip continued his royal responsibilities for several more years before officially retiring in 2017. Following his retirement, he spent much of his time at Wood Farm.
His death came on April 9, 2021, at Windsor Castle. He was 99 years old. At the time, Buckingham Palace stated that his cause of death was “old age,” just two months before his 100th birthday.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrive for the annual evening reception for members of the Diplomatic Corps at Buckingham Palace on December 8, 2016 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Vickers’ account contrasts with the official statement by suggesting a long-term illness played a significant role in his final years.
The historian also claimed that Prince Philip had no desire to reach his 100th birthday. According to Vickers, he “disliked the fuss attendant at such events.”
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh with Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, eastern England, on December 25, 2017. | Source: Getty Images
Final Hours Described
Vickers provided a detailed account of Prince Philip’s final hours. He said the Duke wandered the corridor using his Zimmer frame and later drank beer in the Oak Room.
The following morning, Prince Philip reportedly got up, took a bath, said he wasn't feeling well, and quietly passed away.
Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh attends a traditional Christmas Day Church Service at Sandringham in eastern England, on December 25, 2015. | Source: Getty Images
The Queen’s Reaction
The account also addresses Queen Elizabeth II’s reaction to her husband’s passing. Vickers claimed that she was “absolutely furious that, as so often in life, he left without saying goodbye.”
He added that there were occasions when the Queen asked staff to inform her when Prince Philip was leaving. On those occasions, she was reportedly told, “His Royal Highness left 20 minutes ago.”
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh arrive at the Paul VI Hall for a meeting with Pope Francis on April 3, 2014 in Vatican City, Vatican. | Source: Getty Images
Vickers’ claims offer a new perspective on Prince Philip’s final years, highlighting both his resilience and his preference for privacy. While the official cause of death remains “old age,” the account introduces questions about what the public was not told.
