Though it has already been one month since the passing of the late British royal, Prince Philip, his cause of death has only just been revealed.
Prince Philip’s death certificate was obtained by British newspaper The Telegraph, confirming that the 99-year-old died of old age.
The cause of death was confirmed by the head of the royal medical household Sir Huw Thomas, who had been caring for both Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth since 2014.
Even with the Duke of Edinburgh’s advanced age, many had wondered whether other medical concerns had played a role in his passing. He had been hospitalized earlier this year, only leaving after a full month of treatment.
Prince Philip was in London’s St. Bartholemew Hospital from February 16 to March 16, after reporting that he had not been feeling well. During the hospital stay, he underwent surgery for a preexisting heart condition and received treatment for an infection.
Upon Prince Philip’s discharge from the hospital, Buckingham Palace issued a statement: “His Royal Highness wishes to thank all the medical staff who looked after him… and everyone who has sent their good wishes.”
Prince Philip died peacefully at his home of Windsor Castle on April 9, less than a month after his discharge from the hospital and just two months shy of his 100th birthday.
He had retired from public duties back in April 2017, at age 95.
The Telegraph had also reported that the term “old age” is an acceptable cause of death for patients over 80 who have been under the care of a physician for a long period of time as a result of their health being on a “gradual decline.”
The Duke of Edinburgh is survived by his wife, Queen Elizabeth, who recently turned 95. The two shared four children, eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
A funeral service was held on April 17. The intimate family event was reduced in size to just 30 attendees due to the current pandemic, though the family has shared that it was a beautiful moment to commemorate their patriarch.
“It was tough, but the funeral was done so well. I think he would have been happier about the way it happened,” said Mike Tindall, who is husband to Prince Philip’s granddaughter Zara Tindall.
It has been reported that Queen Elizabeth has been grieving her husband’s death with grace.
She chose to be alone following the funeral services, and later issued a statement:
While as a family we are in a period of great sadness, it has been a comfort to us all to see and to hear the tributes paid to my husband, from those within the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world.
“My family and I would like to thank you all for the support and kindness shown to us in recent days. We have been deeply touched, and continue to be reminded that Philip had such an extraordinary impact on countless people throughout his life.”