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Prince Philip Misses State Opening After Being Admitted To Hospital

Prince Philip Misses State Opening After Being Admitted To Hospital

It's not thought to be serious.

Mel Ramsay

Mel Ramsay

The Duke of Edinburgh has been admitted to hospital with an infection from a pre-existing condition, says a spokesman for Buckingham Palace.

It's not clear what the condition is, but Prince Philip is said to be 'up and about' according to one aide. The 96-year-old was taken to hospital in a private car surrounded by his personal guard and not by ambulance.

His hospital admittance was not an emergency, but a precaution according to the palace spokesman, who has said that the Queen is being kept up-to-date with Prince Philip's prognosis.

Prince Philip
Prince Philip

Credit: PA

The Buckingham Palace spokesman said: "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."

Prince Philip
Prince Philip

Credit: PA

His admittance to King Edward VII hospital in central London comes after a rare public appearance at Royal Ascot.

The Queen attended the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords today without him, and was instead accompanied by her son Prince Charles.

The Duke of Edinburgh has only missed the State Opening of Parliament 11 times in over 50 years. Prince Charles accompanied the Queen in 1994 and 1996.

Prince Philip
Prince Philip

Credit: PA

The news of the Duke's illness comes after he announced he would retire from official public duties from the autumn, stating as much after his 90th birthday. It is believed that Prince Philip's retirement from active office is not due to ill health, although in June 2013 he had an operation on his abdomen, and suffered a more serious health scare in 2011 when he had a blocked artery.

In the latter case, he underwent minor heart surgery and was discharged from hospital only four days later. He attended Royal Ascot, accompanying the Queen for a full day of activity in hot temperatures and in 2016, he performed public visits 110 days of the year.

The Duke is expected to make a full recovery and it is believed he will be discharged from hospital shortly.

Source: The Guardian, The Telegraph

Featured Image Credit: PA