No party, 'no fuss': Prince Philip's low-key 99th birthday plans

He might be one year away from becoming a centenarian but Prince Philip is expected to celebrate his milestone 99th birthday on June 10 with a simple lunch with his wife Queen Elizabeth.

The royal is “characteristically taciturn” about the occasion and, even without restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, didn’t want to make a fuss or have a party.

Instead, the Duke of Edinburgh will mark the occasion quietly at Windsor Castle — where he’s self-isolating with the Queen — and connect with the rest of his family by telephone or video call.

“He’s not one for fuss, as you know,” a source told Daily Mail.

Philip’s children and grandchildren are expected to issue public birthday messages on social media accounts, while Buckingham Palace wants to mark the occasion in some small way “depending on how His Royal Highness feels”.

The Queen has already celebrated a birthday — her 94th — in isolation back in April which featured a Zoom call with Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their son, Archie.

In light of the COVID-19 crisis, Her Majesty asked that traditions including gun salutes and flag flying be skipped this year.

The Queen’s official birthday events are also under review, with the Trooping the Colour parade on Saturday, June 13 confirmed as not going ahead in its usual way.

Philip the ‘enigma’

The Prince’s cousin and childhood friend, Lady Myra Butter admitted Philip has always insisted on “no fuss, no bother”.

“The secret is that he just does everything he has previously done, but slower,” she said.

“He still enjoys the greatest role of all, supporting the Queen. As for a party to celebrate turning 99? Goodness me, no! He never wants a fuss, ever!”

Lady Butter described Philip as “an enigma” and praised him for maintaining a “thirst for knowledge” even as he grows older and frailer.

“He has such an incredibly active mind. And he’s a great reader, so interested in things,” she said.

“He’s got enormous knowledge and I am absolutely certain there must be a link between that and his long and healthy life. He’s such an enigma, really.

“He has that thirst for knowledge. He still paints, he sees his horses and keeps abreast of everything in the news.”

Additional reporting by BANG Showbiz.

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