Prince Philip lived a life that spanned almost an entire century. It’s a bit mind-boggling when you actually sit down and look at the timeline of his existence. He was born in 1921. Think about that for a second. When he entered the world, the British Empire was still at its height, the radio was a brand-new luxury, and the scars of World War I were still very fresh.
So, how old was Prince Philip when he died?
He was 99.
He fell just two months short of his 100th birthday. It’s one of those things that feels almost poetic but also slightly frustrating for those who were rooting for him to get that milestone telegram from his own wife, Queen Elizabeth II. He passed away on April 9, 2021, at Windsor Castle.
Why 99 Years Matters More Than You Think
Hitting 99 isn't just about a high number. It's about the sheer volume of history he witnessed from the inside. Philip wasn't just a bystander; he was a participant in the modernization of the monarchy.
Honestly, he was probably the most active "old" person on the planet for a long time. Most people retire at 65. Philip didn't officially step back from public duties until 2017. He was 96 years old then. Can you imagine? At 96, he was still standing for hours in the rain, shaking hands with strangers, and making those famously blunt quips that either charmed or horrified the public.
He lived through the reign of his father-in-law, King George VI, the entirety of the Cold War, the rise of the internet, and a global pandemic. His age wasn't just a statistic. It was a bridge between the Victorian-era values he was raised with and the chaotic, digital 21st century.
📖 Related: Brooks Nader Naked: What Really Happened with That Sheer Dress Controversy
The Health Secrets of a Man Who Nearly Hit a Century
You don't get to be 99 by accident. Well, maybe a little bit of it is luck and genetics, but Philip was notoriously disciplined.
He was a sportsman. Polo, carriage driving, sailing—he did it all. Even in his 80s and 90s, he didn't just sit in a gilded chair. He stayed mobile. Doctors often point to "functional fitness" as a key to longevity, and Philip had that in spades. He was lean. He watched his diet. He didn't smoke, which was a huge deal considering almost everyone in his social circle back in the day was a chimney.
The Physical Toll
It wasn't all smooth sailing, though. In his final decade, the hospital visits became more frequent. He had a stent in his heart in 2011. There were bladder infections. Abdominal surgeries. In early 2021, just weeks before he died, he underwent a procedure for a pre-existing heart condition at St Bartholomew’s Hospital.
He was tough. Stubborn, even. There are stories from palace insiders about how he hated being fussed over. He wanted to be on his feet. That grit is likely what pushed him to 99.
How Old Was Prince Philip When He Died Compared to Other Royals?
The Windsors have some pretty incredible "old age" genes. It’s kinda their thing.
The Queen Mother lived to be 101. She was the one who really set the bar for royal longevity. Queen Elizabeth II lived to be 96. Philip outlived his wife by three years in terms of age, though she obviously held the throne for a record-breaking amount of time.
👉 See also: Brooklyn and Bailey Nose Job: What Really Happened with Those Plastic Surgery Rumors
If you look at the men in the family, Philip was an outlier. Most of the previous Kings didn't make it anywhere near that far. George VI died at 56. Edward VII at 68. Philip broke the mold for what a male royal's lifespan could look like.
The Mystery of the 100th Birthday
There was so much hype about him turning 100. The plans were already in motion for June 10, 2021. There was talk of a photography exhibition. Tributes. The whole nine yards.
But Philip, being Philip, apparently didn't want the fuss. He reportedly told an acquaintance years prior that he "couldn't imagine anything worse" than turning 100. He wasn't afraid of death; he seemed more afraid of the boredom and the frailty that often comes with extreme old age. He died peacefully. No drama. Just a quiet exit at home.
A Quick Timeline of His Final Years
- August 2017: Retires from solo public duties at age 96.
- January 2019: Involved in a car accident near Sandringham at age 97. He was actually driving himself.
- December 2019: A brief hospital stay for a "pre-existing condition" at age 98.
- April 2021: Passes away at age 99.
The Impact of a 99-Year Life
When you consider how old Prince Philip was when he died, you have to look at the "consort" role. He was the longest-serving consort in British history.
He spent 73 years married to the Queen.
That’s a staggering amount of time to be someone's "strength and stay," as the Queen famously called him. He wasn't just an old man who died; he was the literal foundation of the modern British Royal Family. He restructured how the estates were run. He founded the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which has impacted millions of young people across the globe.
✨ Don't miss: Bobby Sherman Health Update: What Really Happened to the Teen Idol
He was a man of his time, but he also tried to outrun it.
Lessons From the Duke's Longevity
What can we actually take away from a man who lived 99 years?
First, stay active. Don't stop moving just because the calendar says you're old. Second, keep your mind sharp. Philip was an avid reader and had a massive library. Third, don't take yourself too seriously. His sense of humor, while sometimes controversial, kept him engaged with the world around him.
He didn't quite make it to the century mark, but honestly, 99 years of that level of intensity is more than enough for any three lifetimes combined.
Actionable Steps for Exploring Royal History
If you're interested in the legacy Philip left behind at 99, there are a few things you should actually do rather than just reading Wikipedia:
- Visit the Duke of Edinburgh Award website: See the actual impact of the charity he started in 1956. It’s his most tangible legacy.
- Watch the 2021 funeral footage: It was held during COVID-19 restrictions, making it a stark, minimalist, and deeply moving reflection of the man’s actual personality, stripped of the usual royal pomp.
- Read "Prince Philip: The Revealing Biography" by Gyles Brandreth: Gyles actually knew him. It’s the best way to get a sense of the man behind the "99 years old" headline.
Prince Philip’s life ended in 2021, but the way he lived those 99 years changed the British monarchy forever. He was a man who saw the world change and refused to let it leave him behind.