In a documentary that honors the memory of Queen Elizabeth‘s late husband, Prince Philip‘s last words to his son, the current King Charles III, were a witty joke with a bittersweet taste, but one that the monarch remembers with great love.
Charles mentioned during an interview for the BBC film that the telephone conversation that took place the day before his father Philip’s death had a spontaneous response that showed his lucid and perfect sense of humor despite his advanced age of 99.
King Charles III mentioned to his father that the family was talking about celebrating his centenary and wanted to know if he agreed. As he was having difficulty hearing, Philip’s youngest son repeated, “We’re talking about your birthday! And whether there’s going to be a reception!” in a higher tone.
Eloquently, Prince Philip answered, “Well, I’ve got to be alive for it, haven’t I?” This caused his eldest son Charles III to say, “I told him ‘I knew you’d say”that!” This is a memory the monarch collects as a happy moment, despite the fact that the next day his father passed away.
