Prince Philip, 99, is due to spend another night in hospital after he was admitted on Tuesday as a “precautionary measure.” The Duke travelled from Windsor Castle to King Edward VII’s private hospital in London on the advice of his doctor. According to the palace, his admission was not an emergency matter.
Following Philip’s hospital admission, a palace spokesman confirmed: “His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to King Edward VII’s Hospital in London on Tuesday evening.
“The duke’s admission is a precautionary measure, on the advice of His Royal Highness’s doctor, after feeling unwell.
“The duke is expected to remain in hospital for a few days of observation and rest.”
The decision to admit Philip was understood to have been taken with an “abundance” of caution.
READ MORE: Prince Philip desperate to ‘get out’ of hospital as Duke ‘hates fuss’
The Duke has not been seen out in public since last July when he carried out a rare official engagement in order to hand over one of his honorary military titles to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
Philip was last admitted to hospital ahead of Christmas in 2019 when he received treatment for a “pre-existing health condition” also as a precautionary measure.
The low-key Duke is known not to make a fuss and it is understood he will be keen to downplay his time in hospital.
Royal author Penny Junor told BBC Breakfast: “I think he can be quite blunt and I think if he felt people were fussing over him he could be quite outspoken about that.
“This is a man who doesn’t want any fuss made of his 100th birthday, so the fact he’s in hospital and getting some fuss made of him will really irritate him.”
There were hopes Philip’s grandson Prince Harry, 36, would make it back to the UK for the Duke’s 100th birthday but the special date could clash with another important event.
On February 14th Harry and his wife Meghan Markle announced they were pregnant with their second child and its believed the due date could coincide with the Duke’s birthday.
The Queen is also expected to celebrate her official birthday parade Trooping the Colour on June 12.
While Philip has not attended the spectacular event since his retirement he may make a special exception this year.
While Philip is at high-risk from Covid-19 due to his age, the Palace has confirmed his current illness is not linked to the virus.
Royal health information is usually kept private but at the start of the year, the Queen and Philip made an exception and shared important information with the public.
In January the palace confirmed the royal couple had both been vaccinated against Covid-19.
Since then fellow royals Prince Charles, 72, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, 73, have also spoken out to share they’ve had the jab.
— to www.express.co.uk
