The Prince of Wales has revealed how he spoke to his father the day before he died about planning his 100th birthday – and got a vintage Prince Philip response.
In a poignant interview, Charles says he called the Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor on April 8 and broached the delicate subject of a party to mark his centenary in June.
‘We’re talking about your birthday,’ Charles said, slightly tremulously, knowing Philip wasn’t keen on the idea.
Aware his father was also slightly hard of hearing, he repeated himself a little more loudly: ‘We’re talking about your birthday! And whether there’s going to be reception!’
The response was typically pithy. ‘Well, I’ve got to be alive for it, haven’t I?’ Philip challenged.
‘I knew you’d say that!’ Charles shot back in what was possibly their last conversation together.
The charming exchange is recalled by the future king in a new BBC One programme to be broadcast on Wednesday night, Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers.
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It is a remarkable tribute featuring every one of Philip’s children and adult grandchildren recalling some of their fondest – and funniest – memories of the indomitable duke, who died on April 9 at the age of 99.
The Mail’s Robert Hardman wrote and co-produced the programme, interviewing Prince Charles and other members of the family in the process.
His daughter-in-law the Duchess of Cornwall says: ‘It felt like the end of an era. They’re a very difficult generation to live up to but I’m very proud and very pleased that I knew him.’
A wistful Charles adds: ‘We were lucky to have him for nearly 100 years.’
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