Gyles Brandreth Discloses Emotional Confession in New Book
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip shared a remarkable bond throughout their long marriage, from their early days as newlyweds to their final moments together during the COVID lockdowns at Windsor Castle. Despite their deep connection, a shocking revelation has emerged from royal author Gyles Brandreth, who knew the couple for decades.
In his book Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait, Brandreth claims that Queen Elizabeth was not by Prince Philip's side when he passed away on April 9, 2021, contrary to popular belief. The Duke of Edinburgh had reportedly been in a hospital bed set up in his dressing room at Windsor Castle, and on the morning of his death, he had been helped to the bathroom by a nurse.
Brandreth, who first met Queen Elizabeth in 1968 and maintained a close association with both her and Prince Philip, explained that despite the kindness shown to him by the Duke over 40 years, there was always a limit to the kind of relationship that could be formed with royalty. "The Duke showed me great friendliness over 40 years, but royalty offer you friendliness, not friendship, and you have to remember the difference," he told The Times.
Prince Philip's funeral at Windsor Castle was a scaled-back affair due to social distancing restrictions, with only 30 guests in attendance. Queen Elizabeth herself passed away on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96.