King Charles has revealed the last conversation he ever had with his 'papa', Prince Philip, noting his morbid sense of humour and emotional last wish.
It's been more than four years since the death of Prince Philip, who passed away aged 99 on 9 April, 2021.
He was a much-loved member of the royal family, and saw out his final days surrounded by his loved ones in Windsor Castle.
Following his death, a BBC documentary titled Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers was released, which saw members of the family speak about their most cherished memories.
Advert
King Charles is the eldest child of Prince Philip and the late Queen Elizabeth, and shared his final conversation with his 'papa' during the documentary.
The monarch broached the subject of his father's 100th birthday, and asked whether he would want a party - something, it seems, he was never too fussed about.
Saying things a little louder, Charles repeated: "We're talking about your birthday! And whether there's going to be a reception!"
Morbidly joking, Philip responded: "Well, I've got to be alive for it, haven't I?"
To which is eldest son said: "I told him 'I knew you'd say that!'"
Despite the sombre nature of the conversation, Charles holds the memory close as a happy moment with his dad.
Author of The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth's Legacy and the Future of the Crown, noted that it wasn't the only sweet moment that was shared between the two close to his death.
Writing in her 2022 book, Katie Nicholl said: "Charles got time with his father as well, and Philip told him, 'Whatever you do, promise me you will take care of your mother'.
"Charles was very emotional."
Speaking to reporters shortly after his father's passing, Charles said: "As you can imagine, my family and I miss my father enormously."
He described him as 'a much-loved and appreciated figure', and added: "I can imagine, he would be so deeply touched by the number of other people here and elsewhere around the world and the Commonwealth, who also, I think, share our loss and our sorrow."
Charles continued: "My dear papa was a very special person who I think above all else would have been amazed by the reaction and the touching things that have been said about him and from that point of view we are, my family, deeply grateful for all that. It will sustain us in this particular loss and at this particularly sad time."
Topics: King Charles III, Royal Family
Mia Williams