Prince Philip Leaves Hospital After Operation

The Duke of Edinburgh has left a central London hospital where he has been recovering from an exploratory operation on his abdomen.

Prince Philip walked unaided to a waiting vehicle, holding a large book, and waved to bystanders as he was driven from the London Clinic.

The 92-year-old appeared relaxed as he said goodbye to staff at the hospital, where he was admitted 11 days ago.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: "The Duke is in good condition and good spirits. He'll take a period of convalescence, of approximately two months.

"The Duke has expressed his thanks and appreciation to medical staff at the London Clinic and the many members of the public who have sent good wishes."

In recent days family members including the Queen have paid visits.

The Prince of Wales saw his father on Friday and said his condition was "much better".

The Duke was taken to hospital on June 6, shortly after attending a Buckingham Palace garden party.

An operation, which had been pre-arranged after abdominal investigations, was carried out the next day.

Details of his original symptoms have not been released, but it is thought the procedure did not involve his heart or bladder.

Philip has experienced problems with those organs before.

Sky's Royal Correspondent Paul Harrison said: "Itching as he may well have been to get out of hospital, he actually looked well for having been in there, taking some time out."

More than a thousand cards have been sent by well-wishers. In recent days he has been asking for paperwork from his office and he is expected to resume his official duties in the autumn.

The Duke will initially spend time at Windsor Castle, where the Queen is staying during Royal Ascot week.