Prince Philip in hospital as ‘precautionary measure’ for infection

It has just been announced that 96-year-old Prince Philip has been hospitalised for an infection as a precautionary measure.

Prince Philip is in hospital for an infection. (Splash News and Pictures)

Buckingham Palace says The Duke of Edinburgh, who was seen yesterday enjoying Royal Ascot, is in good spirits despite going to King Edward VII Hospital yesterday evening; this is where most Royals go for their hospital treatment, including Her Majesty, who underwent a knee replacement in 2004, and The Duchess of Cambridge who suffered with sever morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum) in 2012.

The infection is related to a pre-existing condition, but it was not stated what kind of condition. It seems no chances are being taken with the Prince Consort’s health due to his advancing age.

Philip has had bouts of ill-health in the past; in 2011, he underwent heart surgery to fit a stent, and spent some of the Diamond Jubilee of 2012 in hospital with another infection, perhaps due to standing in the damp weather of the Thames Pageant. In 2013, he had an exploratory operation on his abdomen which was said to have gone “as planned”.

It was announced in May that the Duke would retire from royal duties later this year.

The Queen is due to attend the ‘dressed down’ State Opening of Parliament today, before dashing off to the second day of Ascot. Prince Charles will attend in his father’s place, and the family will be kept informed.

The statement read:

The Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in London last night, as a precautionary measure, for treatment of an infection arising from a pre-existing condition.

Prince Philip is in good spirits and is disappointed to be missing the State Opening of Parliament and Royal Ascot. The Prince of Wales will accompany The Queen to the State Opening.

Her Majesty is being kept informed and will attend Royal Ascot as planned this afternoon.