Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were effectively living separate lives in the years leading up to his death in 2021, according to royal biographer Hugo Vickers. The Queen allowed Philip to pursue his own interests, moving to Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate while she continued her royal duties.
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Philip’s Retreat and Companion
In 2017, Philip stepped back from public life due to declining health and relocated to Norfolk. Vickers’s new biography, Queen Elizabeth II: A Personal History, details how the Queen granted him freedom, stating he was happiest at Wood Farm. The Duke spent his time driving carriages, reading, and painting. Notably, Vickers claims that Philip frequently hosted his longtime friend and confidante, Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, at the estate.
COVID-Era Reunion and Isolation
The couple reunited briefly during COVID-19 lockdowns when Elizabeth moved to Windsor Castle. They lived in isolation, with a small staff nicknamed “HMS Bubble.” This setup was enforced by strict restrictions, with no outside visitors allowed in their section of the castle.
Philip’s Final Hours
On the night before his death, Vickers alleges that Philip snuck out of bed, walked with his Zimmer frame, and helped himself to a beer in the Oak Room. The Queen reportedly did not see him before his death. According to Vickers, she expressed anger at his departure, noting he had a habit of leaving without saying goodbye throughout their marriage.
A Quiet Farewell
Philip’s funeral was limited to 30 mourners due to COVID-19 restrictions, with the Queen seated alone and masked. Vickers suggests that Philip would have preferred this pared-down farewell.
The couple’s separation in their final years highlights the evolving dynamics of their 73-year marriage, where Philip prioritized his own interests while the Queen continued her public role. The biography offers a candid look at their private lives, revealing a relationship that adapted to changing circumstances, even if it meant living apart.
