Carole Middleton's major PR move amid Prince Philip's ill health

Carole Middleton has made a major PR move amid 99-year-old Prince Philip's heart health battle.

The 66-year-old mother of Kate Middleton is the cover star of UK magazine Good Housekeeping's April issue but has reportedly pulled the plug on promoting the interview.

Carole Middleton and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh watch the horses in the parade ring as they attend Ladies Day during Royal Ascot
Carole Middleton with Prince Philip at Royal Ascot in 2012. Photo: Getty Images.

'Respect' for Philip

An inside source told the Sun that Carole opted out of PR for the profile piece on her party supply business, Party Pieces, out of 'respect' for Prince Philip's condition.

"Carole is incredibly proud of her company and all the hard work that goes into it," the source said.

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"But whilst backing the business, she didn't want to turn any news into a media circus because she is so respectful and sensitive to Catherine, and the royal family," they added.

The source claimed that Carole made her decision after watching the recent PR chaos surrounding former full-time royals Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in LA — "even if it cost her thousands in potential lost marketing."

'Successful' surgery

Buckingham Palace confirmed that Prince Philip had undergone successful heart surgery for his pre-existing heart condition at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London on Wednesday.

Prince Philip — who turns 100 in June — will remain in hospital 'for a number of days' to receive treatment, rest and recuperation.

Police officers stand on duty outside St Bartholomew's Hospital, commonly known as St Barts, in central London on March 4, 2021 where Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was transferred to on March 1.
Police officers guard the entrance to St Barts hospital where Prince Philip has undergone a successful heart procedure. Photo: Getty Images.

It's said that the Queen will be unable to visit her husband of more than 70 years at the specialist cardiac centre at St Bart's due to COVID-19 regulations. Instead, Her Majesty is being kept up to date on the prince's progress.

Prior to his heart surgery at St Bart's, Prince Philip spent two weeks at King Edward VII hospital after being admitted due to an infection.

He has now spent 16 nights in hospital — his longest-ever stay.

Philip's daughter-in-law, the Duchess of Cornwall, told reporters on Wednesday that he was "slightly improving" and "we'll keep our fingers crossed".

Oprah and the Sussexes

Prince Philip's health woes come amid growing tensions within the royal family ahead of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's controversial TV interview with Oprah.

In a teaser for the highly-anticipated special, Meghan revealed that she could not be expected to stay silent if "The Firm" played a part in "perpetuating falsehoods" about her and her husband Harry.

Meghan Markle in an interview with Oprah on CBS
Meghan says 'The Firm' is actively perpetuating untruths about herself and Harry. Photo: CBS

The timing of the tell-all, which comes after Harry's revealing interview with James Corden, has reportedly left senior royals 'appalled.

The Queen and other senior members of the royal family, meanwhile, are gearing up for their own TV appearance immediately before Harry and Meghan's.

Her Majesty will be joined by Prince Charles and Camilla along with Prince William and Kate Middleton for 'A Celebration For Commonwealth Day', which is set to air on BBC One on Sunday just hours before the Oprah special.

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