In a couple of days, Prince Philip is about to celebrate his 99th birthday. As they may be no grand celebration due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it looks like he even likes it that way. Queen Elizabeth II's husband, reportedly, does not like his birthday and the big gathering that comes with it.
In 2014, according to Town & Country, when Prince Philip turned 93, there was a grand garden party held in Buckingham Palace. About 8,000 people attended the event, and ushers, reportedly, told them not to tell their good wishes to the Duke of Edinburgh. There was even a woman who tried to give him a present, but he refused and asked her to give it to someone else.
The King Consort, allegedly, said that he never wanted to carry the gift around the garden. However, no one was surprised by his behavior. He has been known for being a "no-fuss" guy since time immemorial.
So, as everyone believes that the government-imposed social distancing in Britain will affect him and his grand birthday celebration, it is actually the opposite. He may even find a small gathering or a private festivity more appealing than the big one.
Prince Philip may be perfectly happy to spend the day quietly at Windsor Castle without thousands of guests. Since he retired from royal duties in 2017, he only made a few appearances at family occasions. When he issued a statement in April to address the COVID-19 pandemic, it was a rare one.
However, no matter how he hates a public occasion, his birthday will still be honored publicly. It is already part of the tradition that there will be gun salutes to mark his natal day.
Yahoo! Australia reported that Prince Philip might celebrate his 99th birthday with a simple lunch at Windsor with his wife, Queen Elizabeth. He is only one year away from being a centenarian.
He has been "characteristically taciturn" about his birthday and does not want to make a fuss of it. As the COVID-19 pandemic still affects the United Kingdom, he may celebrate the event with telephone or video all from the rest of the royal family members.
Prince Philips' children and grandchildren may release birthday messages publicly through their social media pages. Although Buckingham Palace wants to give him a special event to mark the occasion, given that he is about to turn 99, it still depends on how he feels.
