Prince Philip's last message to Prince Charles: 'Look after the Queen'

Prince Philip and Prince Charles shared a bedside heart-to-heart in his final moments, according to royal biographer Robert Jobson. 

• The father and son were the 'closest they've ever been' in recent years 
• Prince Philip and Prince Charles found a 'deeper respect' for each other's opinions
• It follows royal news that Prince Harry and Prince William will reunite for Prince Philip's funeral

Prince Charles and his "dear papa" Prince Philip shared a bedside heart-to-heart in his final moments, according to royal biographer Robert Jobson.

In his book, Prince Philip's Century: The Extraordinary Life of the Duke of Edinburgh, Robert reveals that Prince Charles and his father had an extraordinary heart-to-heart when he visited him in hospital - where he stayed for 28 days, just a matter of weeks before his death. 

Robert says the Duke of Edinburgh advised Prince Charles on how he should care for the Queen in the event of his death, as well as how the Prince of Wales - heir to the throne in the current line of succession - should lead the royal family in years to come. 

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Palace insiders say this type of honest conversation marked a huge change in Prince Charles and Prince Philip's relationship, as they grew "closer than ever" in recent years following frequent clashes. 

"They've both mellowed," an insider told the Daily Mail online. "In recent years they were much more accepting of the other's point of view.

"They have always loved one another – that was never in question. But there was a deeper respect and it was growing."

A separate source added, "The idea that these are two men who spent a lifetime at loggerheads, and that Princess Anne was the son he wished he'd had, is out of date and wrong. A much more accurate picture over the last ten years is of two very strong-willed people who came to understand each other's point of view.

"A father and son who loved each other and enjoyed a relationship of mutual respect and affection.

"Over the last year of Philip's life, they were the closest that they've ever been."