Prince Philip will be turning 100 years old on June 10, 2021, but he doesn't want any fuss for his milestone birthday. As a "reluctant celebrant," the event organizers are apparently unsure how to proceed with only six months to come up with a party to never forget.
But sources told Daily Mirror that the Queen's husband doesn't want to make plans for his upcoming birthday. After the New Year, Buckingham Palace will confirm if the royal family will celebrate their patriarch's big year in public or in private.
Prince Philip will be the first male member of the modern British royal family to reach his centennial year, so it should be a big deal. For now, however, the event organizers cannot start the ball rolling with the preparations. They have nothing much to do since Prince Philip does not want anyone else doing anything.
The Duke of Edinburgh celebrated his 99th birthday in lockdown last June at Windsor Castle with Queen Elizabeth. The royals released a birthday photo of Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh, which was taken at the castle's quadrangle.
Concerns about Philip's health arose due to his age, especially during this public health crisis. Thus, the latest photo served to pacify fears about the Duke of Edinburgh's wellbeing.
Since retiring in 2017, Prince Philip hasn't been seen much in public events. However, during this pandemic crisis, he briefly emerged from isolation to participate in a handover ceremony with his daughter-in-law, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall. He also attended the scaled-down royal wedding of his granddaughter, Princess Beatrice, to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
In January 2019, Philip was involved in a minor car crash. By the year's end, he had to stay in the hospital as a precautionary measure before joining his family for Christmas in Sandringham.
Meanwhile, sources revealed that Prince Philip's grandson, Prince Harry, is hoping to be able to fly back to the U.K. from California for his grandfather's birthday bash. Barring any problems with the travel restrictions due to COVID-19, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are ready to participate in whatever ceremonies planned for this historic year.
Prince Harry will most likely be in the U.K. and Europe for the summer of 2021 because aside from Prince Philip's 100th birthday, the Sussexes will mark the return of the Invictus Games in May. The couple will also be reunited with Prince William and Kate Middleton for the unveiling of Princess Diana's statue at Kensington Palace in July.
