In a surprising and candid revelation, King Charles has finally opened up about the reasons why his father, Prince Philip, did not live full-time with Queen Elizabeth II in their later years. For decades, royal observers and the public speculated about the couple’s unusual living arrangement, especially given their long-standing marriage of over 70 years. While many viewed their relationship as a steadfast union, questions remained about why Prince Philip chose to spend much of his time away from Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle during the final years of his life.
King Charles has now shed light on this long-standing mystery, explaining that the arrangement was primarily based on personal choice and mutual understanding between the Queen and Prince Philip. According to Charles, his father valued his independence and enjoyed a quieter life away from the intense royal spotlight, particularly after retiring from public duties in 2017. Philip moved to Wood Farm, a modest residence on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, where he spent his time reading, painting, and enjoying nature, far from the grandeur of royal life.
King Charles revealed that this arrangement worked well for both his parents. The Queen, who remained fully dedicated to her role as monarch, continued to live at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, where her official duties required her presence. Despite their physical separation, Charles emphasized that their relationship remained as strong as ever, rooted in mutual respect, deep affection, and understanding.
This period of partial separation was not due to any strain in their relationship but rather a reflection of their individual needs at that stage in life. Prince Philip had dedicated decades of his life to supporting the Queen and fulfilling his role as the Duke of Edinburgh. After stepping back from public life, he relished the opportunity to live more quietly and on his own terms, while the Queen remained devoted to her lifelong service to the crown.
Charles also explained that both his parents had always been practical and pragmatic individuals. They understood that their different responsibilities required different lifestyles, and they supported each other in those choices. Philip’s move to Wood Farm gave him the peace and solitude he desired, while allowing the Queen to continue her official duties without disruption.
This insight from King Charles paints a picture of a royal marriage that was based on deep love, mutual respect, and an understanding of each other’s needs. While their living arrangement may have appeared unconventional to some, it was a reflection of the unique demands of royal life and the personal choices that made both the Queen and Prince Philip happy in their later years.
Ultimately, Charles’s revelation underscores the strength of their bond, proving that even in their physical distance, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip remained deeply connected until his passing in 2021.