Prince Philip moves hospital two weeks after admission

The Duke of Edinburgh has been transferred to St Bartholomew’s hospital in London where doctors will continue treat him for an infection and a pre-existing heart condition, Buckingham Palace has said.

Prince Philip was moved after almost two weeks in the private King Edward VII’s hospital in central London, where he was admitted as a “precautionary measure” on 16 February.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “The Duke of Edinburgh was today transferred from King Edward VII’s hospital to St Bartholomew’s hospital where doctors will continue to treat him for an infection, as well as undertake testing and observation for a pre-existing heart condition.

“The duke remains comfortable and is responding to treatment but is expected to remain in hospital until at least the end of the week.”

Philip left the King Edward VII private hospital in central London after 13 nights at about 10am by a back exit. Reports at the scene said he was shielded by umbrellas as he climbed into the back of a waiting ambulance as police officers stood nearby behind barricades keeping back photographers.

He had been admitted after falling ill at Windsor Castle, where he and the Queen had been shielding during the pandemic. It is his longest stay in hospital. In June 2013, he spent 11 days after surgery to his abdomen.

Last Tuesday the Earl of Wessex said his father was feeling “a lot better” when it was announced the duke would spend several more days in hospital. Prince Edward said Philip was “looking forward to getting out” and his family were “keeping their fingers crossed”.

Prince Charles has been the only family member to visit, spending about 30 minutes at the hospital four days after Philip was admitted.