The Duke of Edinburgh has today been released from hospital, after spending four days in King Edward VII facility in London.
Buckingham Palace said that the Duke, 98, had been admitted on the advice of doctors for a procedure relating to a pre-existing condition and that it was a “precautionary measure”. Prince Philip was discharged just before 9am on Christmas Eve, and seen walking to the car.
The Palace commented: “His Royal Highness would like to thank everyone who sent their good wishes.”
Philip is now expected to join The Queen at Sandringham for Christmas where the Royal Family will open presents this evening. This follows the German tradition, which was begun by Prince Albert and Queen Victoria.
The Duke flew from Norfolk to London, as his wife Elizabeth, took the train from London to King’s Lynn on Friday.
? NEW: Here is the video from our cameras of 98 year old Prince Philip leaving King Edward VII hospital in central London after his treatment. He was admitted on Friday. He’s now expected to join The Queen and the rest of his family for Christmas at Sandringham. pic.twitter.com/j8s2tStFCg
— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) December 24, 2019
We do not believe any members of the family have been to visit him in hospital, likely on his wishes – he is known to not like to make a fuss.
The Prince of Wales was visiting Doncaster yesterday, to see those affected by recent flooding. When asked about his father, he said the Duke had been ‘looked after very well’ during his time in hospital.
— HOW THE ROYALS CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS —
“When you get to that age things don’t work so well,” Charles added.
Since his retirement in 2017, the Prince Consort has spent much time at Sandringham, the royal estate in Norfolk, at a farmhouse.
The last time the public saw Philip was at Lady Gabriella’s wedding, in May, when he seemed in good spirits.
In 2012, Philip suffered from a bladder infection which hospitalised him, and in 2011 was fitted with a stent. 2017 saw the Royal miss the State Opening of Parliament, after being admitted to hospital, again as a precautionary measure. Most recently, he underwent a hip replacement in April 2018, returning to health in time for Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding the following month, and missed the traditional Christmas Day service last December due to illness.
A car accident last January saw the Duke unscathed, but relinquish his driving license.
