KEY POINTS

  • Prince Philip spent his finals day in Windsor Castle with Queen Elizabeth, a report says
  • He reportedly enjoyed reading, communicating with loved ones and "relaxing in his home environment" before his death
  • Prince Philip reportedly found staying in the hospital "inordinately boring"

Prince Philip spent his finals days peacefully with his wife, Queen Elizabeth II, by his side, a report says.

Buckingham Palace announced Friday that the Duke of Edinburgh passed away "peacefully" at his and the Queen's residence, Windsor Castle, where they had been isolating since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. While losing him has been difficult for the members of the royal family, they have been doing their best to stay strong, Us Weekly reported.

"The whole family got a lot of comfort in knowing that he and Her Majesty got to be together in the sanctuary of Windsor Castle," an unnamed source told the outlet, adding, "Spending time with Elizabeth, communicating with other loved ones, reading and relaxing in his home environment meant everything to Philip."

Prince Philip's final moments were filled with his favorite things—very different from his hospital stay, which he found "inordinately boring," the report added. The Duke of Edinburgh was hospitalized in February and stayed there for weeks. He returned home from King Edward VII's Hospital in March after his "successful" heart surgery.

After her consort passed away, the Queen was the one who broke the news to their grandsons Prince William and Prince Harry, according to the report. Both were "devastated" after hearing about their grandfather's death, though they were aware that he had been ill recently.

Prince William and Prince Harry each wrote a loving tribute for Prince Philip Monday, praising him for his service and dedication to the Queen, royal family and the monarchy.

In his statement, Prince Harry remembered Prince Philip as "my grandpa: master of the barbecue, legend of banter and cheeky right ‘til the end." He also added that his grandfather will always have a special place in their hearts.

Meanwhile, Prince William said in his own message that he was lucky to have had Prince Philip in his life through his adult years. He also promised that he and his wife, Kate Middleton, will continue to do their royal duties and will support the Queen, adding that their grandfather would have wanted them to "get on with the job."

Queen Elizabeth returned to fulfilling her royal duties just four days after Prince Philip’s death. She officiated a retirement ceremony Tuesday for former Lord Chamberlain, Earl William Peel, who is the most senior member of the royal household staff.

Queen Elizabeth II has been hit hard by the death of her husband Prince Philip, their son Prince Andrew said
Queen Elizabeth II has been hit hard by the death of her husband Prince Philip, their son Prince Andrew said Chris Jackson Collection / Chris Jackson