Read the last words King Charles spoke to Prince Philip before his death

Five years after his death, Charles, now 77, reflected on their last conversation during a BBC documentary about Philip’s life.

The exchange took place the day before Philip’s death, when Charles attempted to discuss plans for his father’s upcoming 100th birthday.

Speaking loudly to ensure his then nearly deaf father would hear him, Charles floated the idea of ​​a party, prompting a characteristically sharp response from Philip, then 99, who has since become emblematic of his humor and pragmatism.

Charles said, “We’re talking about your birthday! And whether there will be a reception!”

Philip replied, “Well, that’s what I have to live for, isn’t it?”

Charles then said, “I said to him, ‘I knew you would say that!'”

The memory underlines what has been described as Philip’s quick wit – even when weak.

According to the film, the moment stood out as both humorous and deeply personal for the future King Charles.

The conversation was part of a broader reflection on Philip’s final weeks, which were marked by declining health, but also by moments of clarity and connection with family.

Charles indicated that the exchange remained a cherished memory despite the harrowing circumstances.

Royal aides told us that Philip’s response reflected both acceptance and a refusal to indulge in sentimentality – qualities long associated with the duke’s public and private persona.

Royal biographer Katie Nicholl, writes in her 2022 book The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy and the Future of the Crowndescribed one final exchange between father and son during one of their final meetings.

Nicholl wrote that Philip made the direct request: “Whatever you do, promise me you will take care of your mother.”

She added that Charles was visibly moved by the moment, highlighting the emotional weight of their latest encounters.

After Philip’s death, Charles, then Prince of Wales, spoke publicly from his Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire.

He said: “As you can imagine, my family and I miss my father very much.”

Charles also described Philip as ‘a much-loved and esteemed figure’, adding: ‘Apart from anything else, I imagine he would be so deeply moved by the number of other people here and elsewhere in the world and the Commonwealth who also, I think, share our loss and our grief.

He commented at the time: ‘My dear Dad was a very special person, who I think would have been particularly amazed by the reaction and the moving things that were said about him, and from that point of view we, my family, are very grateful for that. It will sustain us through this particular loss and at this particularly sad time.”