Advertisement

Prince Philip Taken To Hospital For Operation

Prince Philip Taken To Hospital For Operation

Prince Philip has been taken to hospital for an exploratory operation following abdominal pains.

He is expected to remain at The London Clinic in Harley Street for around two weeks.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: "His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has been admitted to the London Clinic for an exploratory operation following abdominal investigations.

"He is expected to stay in hospital for up to two weeks. Further updates will be issued when appropriate."

His was driven to hospital shortly after attending a garden party at Buckingham Palace where he appeared to be in good spirits.

The Duke, who turns 92 on June 10, had missed an engagement at the palace on Monday night because he was feeling "under the weather".

The Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Sir John Peace, was among the guests at the garden party where he said Prince Philip had been "telling jokes".

Speaking of meeting the Queen at the event, he said: "It was wonderful to see the Duke of Edinburgh with her."

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman stressed the Duke's hospital visit was planned, adding: "He is in very good health."

The operation, which will take place today, follows investigations that were carried out over the past week.

The Prince's illness earlier this week is not thought to be connected to his admission to hospital.

The spokeswoman added: "He felt unwell on Monday and missed an engagement but that was down to the fact he had temporarily lost his voice."

The Queen will still perform her engagements as planned today, including a visit to the new BBC studios in central London.

Prime Minister David Cameron wrote on Twitter: "My best wishes to the Duke of Edinburgh who is in hospital. I hope he has a swift recovery."

The Queen and Prince Philip had appeared together on the steps of Buckingham Palace on Thursday at 4pm, when the National Anthem was played to mark the start of the garden party.

Despite temperatures reaching 22C, the Duke appeared relaxed and happily chatted to guests as he walked around the garden, giving no indication of his imminent operation.

He was at the Queen's side at Westminster Abbey on Tuesday for the 60th anniversary of her coronation and on Wednesday toured a Victorian steamship, the SS Robin, in London's East End.

On Thursday, the Queen invested Prince Philip with New Zealand's highest honour, making him an additional member of the Order of New Zealand to mark the Diamond Jubilee.

The presentation took place at Buckingham Palace ahead of the garden party. The Queen is the Order's sovereign and additional members are appointed to commemorate important royal, state or national occasions.

Prince Philip's citation lists his numerous military posts, patronages and honours associated with New Zealand.

These range from his Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award, established in New Zealand in 1963, which encourages and motivates youngsters to become involved in a programme of self-development activities, to his patronage of organisations like the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.