Prince Philip has secret heart condition
The London Evening Standard is reporting that Prince Philip, who is about to celebrate the longest marriage to a reigning Monarch, has a secret heart condition. He has suffered from it for the past 15 years.
Prince Philip (left) at the Highland Games this summer
The Prince, who is 86, suffered a bout of ill-health recently which caused much concern in the Royal Family. However, he has insisted on carrying out his busy schedule of Royal engagements.
The Palace has apparently brought forward the task of preparing Prince William and Prince Harry for their future official roles.
An aide told the paper, “Prince Philip in particular is acutely aware of the need to prepare for the future”.
The Duke “has to take medication regularly and his bodyguards and aides are on constant alert to take him to hospital instantly if he becomes dizzy or short of breath”.
An unnamed courtier said, “The Queen and the family have been been concerned about the Duke in recent weeks. He was not feeling himself and given his age and his heart condition, it added to the worry.”
But will he reduce his workload? “Who is going to tell him? To be blunt, the Duke is not somebody you tell what to do.”
On his return from Balmoral, he carried out eight engagements, said to include opening buildings, hosting receptions, lunches dinners and meetings.
Next month he will fly with the Queen, Prince Charles and Camilla to the Commonwealth Heads of Government conference in Uganda. It’s the first time that Charles will accompanying his parents on such a high profile visit.
Other engagements next month include Philip accompanying the Queen on a private visit to Malta, where the couple lived before Elizabeth became Queen. There is also their Diamond Wedding service at Westminster Abbey and a party arranged by William and Harry.
A senior official commented, “The Duke of Edinburgh has lived with a heart condition for years for which he takes medication. Those who work close to him are informed of the symptoms and if he shows any sign of them he is to be taken straight to see a specialist. He has regular check ups but recently there has been some concern as he was feeling unwell. The concern is due, primarily, to his age.”
Three years ago, when he suffered bruising to his face after slipping in the bath, he reportedly told a journalist in typical fashion, “Do I look bloody ill.”
Prince Philip could cut his engagements in half and he would still be working harder than some of the younger members of the Royal family. At 86, there is nothing wrong with slowing down a bit. Allow Andrew, Edward and ultimately, William and Harry, to take over some of the less important duties i.e. opening buildings, hosting lunches, dinners and meetings. This way, Philip will be less fatigued and he can save his energy for high profile engagements with the Queen.
By Arthur on October 26th, 2007 at 10:40 pm
I do hope that His Royal Highness will be okay. Although The Queen is the Monarch of the family, he has held the family together through all the trials and tribulations that they have been through and his wisdom is highly respected. As the palace is saying, it’s time for William & Harry to take on more duties to help him out. I’m sure they are more willing to do so.
By Claudius on October 26th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
I agree with you, Claudius and I wish the Duke of Edinburgh many more years of good health. Prince Philip has been a fixture at the Queen’s side for sixty years, and it’s difficult to think of one without the other. Let’s hope that day is a long time coming!
By Arthur on October 26th, 2007 at 11:01 pm
Since we are on the subject of the Duke and his engagements, I was just reading a comment on why members of the Royal family are the only ones opening building, centers and attending important events. They are suggesting that other famous people can do this as well. I couldn’t agree with them more but I do think highly respected actors and other famous people don’t realize that they can do more with that platform they have and be inspired by members of the Royal family especailly Prince Philip. I know when I make it in the entertainment business, I will get heavily involved in more charities.
By Claudius on October 26th, 2007 at 11:24 pm
I think if someone is fortunate enough to make it to their 80′s and is in good health, they have earned a break! Also, wouldn’t he be happier to see a successful transition? Then he could really feel more comfortable about the future of the royal family. I’d hate to see Prince Philip and the Queen “cling” to their roles and exclude this from happening.
By Cate on October 26th, 2007 at 11:25 pm
For a man of 86 the Duke is still a very inspiring man. He works hard and has devoted many years of helping HM in her role as sovereign. I think it is time he slowed down along with HM and slowly transition the reigns to the younger royals. It is time William and Harry start taking their place to help the grandparents and reassure them the monarchy will be safe.
By Trudie on October 27th, 2007 at 2:28 am
Re “To be blunt, the Duke is not somebody you tell what to do.â€
Is this why Prince Philip has been able to survive and thrive in his role for so long?
By Karen on October 27th, 2007 at 3:57 am
I would say so, Karen. He is pretty much a law unto himself. However, he is also highly intelligent and has a serious work ethic, which is why he has been able to take on so many activities on behalf of the Queen all these years. He is the proverbial perpetual motion machine!
By Gigi on October 27th, 2007 at 5:03 am
Yes, I agree with everyone.
The current baseless accusations against him at the inquest can’t be helping his heart condition, though.
It’s unusual for senior courtiers to speak out in this way. It often means they are preparing the public for bad news.
By John on October 27th, 2007 at 8:27 am
Could this be the reason, that William and Kate are keeping their plans for the future in the dark?
What with really bad news, this could be a shadow on their becoming engaged, and the following public events?
As to the idea for the duke to slow down, when you reach this age and look back on a constant working pace, it is not easy to convince yourself to slow down considerably.
By Gena on October 27th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
Gena, you could be right. There’s definitely a lot of concern right now, and this wouldn’t have been leaked for no reason.
By John on October 27th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
I would not want to be the doctor who has to tell the Duke of Edinburgh to slow down, limit his schedule or, Heaven forbid, retire from active life. I believe he will go on until the end because that is his character. I doubt that even a direct command from the Queen would convince him! The only person who might convince him is Peter Phillips, who is said to be his favorite grandchild, and with whom the Duke shares a very close relationship. I would love to be a fly on the wall during THAT conversation!
By Gigi on October 27th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
I’ve read that Prince Phillip is the ultimate “man’s man” – to him, his masculinity is what defines him. He always had to do the “rough and tough” stuff that sometimes meant a high risk to his safety. It’s not a death wish so much but a way to prove to himself and others that he’s a tough guy.
This is just more of that. He knows his health isn’t what it used to be, but he refuses to let it get to him. To slow down would mean to admit defeat and he won’t do that. If it kills him, then people need to realize that this is the way he would have wanted it. I cannot see him surrendering to spend the rest of his life in a rocking chair. No siree, no way, no how. The day he does will be his last.
By On the Outside on October 27th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
I have a feeling in this case, we will see William, Harry and other members of the royal family doing more of philips duties. William is taking all the steps to securing his future, even with Kate.
By Claudius on October 27th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
Gigi, his upcoming wedding to Autumn Kelly would be the perfect way for Peter Phillips to discuss Prince Philip slowing down a bit. Peter could remind Philip that four of his Grandchildren: Peter Zara, William and Harry will, most likely, take a walk down the aisle in the next couple of years. They all want Philip present at their nuptials, so would he please relax a little and not put his health in jeopardy. I don’t believe anyone is recommending Prince Philip retire completly, just reduce his workload a bit.
By Arthur on October 27th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
It has always interested me why Peter Phillips is the Duke’s favourite grandson. But I won’t go there.
By John on October 28th, 2007 at 8:31 am
Why won’t you go there? I would say that Peter is his favourite grandchild and its because Peter has no agenda, no sides and no chip on his shoulder. He just gets on with life without any of the fanfare that the others seek ( i don’t mean William and Harry because people are interested in them but the other grandchildren including Zara).
Peter is very secure in his own skin and Philip likes that, he hates all this knavel gazing that goes on.
By Eliza on October 28th, 2007 at 10:05 am
I was thinking beyond that, Eliza. There are some taboo areas we don’t cover here.
By John on October 28th, 2007 at 10:16 am
John, I think we could agree, that he likes him above the others, because he was his first grandson, and over long years, the only one.
It might be also, that the Duke, having a reportedly difficult approach to Diana, could not get so near to the boys, when they were younger.
By Gena on October 28th, 2007 at 10:36 am
Gena, he seems to have good relations with William and Harry too, but maybe not as good as with Peter for the reasons you give.
Speculation about other people’s relationship are always idle.
By John on October 28th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
I’m at a loss as to the taboo subject, can you give me a hint?
By Eliza on October 28th, 2007 at 5:26 pm
I wish I hadn’t mentioned it now.
By John on October 28th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
I happen to think that Peter is Philip’s favorite not only because he is the first born grandchild but it was no secret that he always favored Anne.
By Trudie on October 28th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
Very true, Trudie. I have read that Peter Philips is the favorite grandson of the Duke of Edinburgh because he is mentally and physically tough, disciplined, self-reliant, and did spectacularly well at Gordonstoun. Prince Philip values macho toughness, admires sportsmen, and was quoted as saying that Peter Phillips has those attributes.
I am sure there is nothing more to it than this.
By Gigi on October 28th, 2007 at 9:40 pm