Prince Philip Airlifted to Hospital, Has Heart Surgery

Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, was airlifted today to the cardiac unit at Papworth Hospital to have heart surgery for a blocked coronary artery. Philip, 90, will stay in the hospital for a “short period” for observation.

British royal officials did not say if Philip had suffered a heart attack.

According to Time Magazine, Philip was taken from the queen’s estate in rural Norfolk to the Papworth Hospital in Cambridge after suffering chest pains. The Duke had a small surgery to treat a blocked artery.

The Palace said in a statement:

“Following tests at Papworth Cardiothoracic Hospital in Cambridge this evening the Duke of Edinburgh was found to have a blocked coronary artery which caused his chest pains. This was treated successfully by the minimally invasive procedure of coronary stenting. Prince Philip will remain in hospital under observation for a short period.”

According to the Telegraph, Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II were planning on celebrating their first Christmas with Kate Middleton, the new Duchess of Cambridge.

Dickie Arbiter, a former press secretary to the Queen, said:

“He has had these chest pains before and I don’t think it’s anything untoward, but given his age they are being safe rather than sorry. I am sure we are going to see him on Christmas Day and he can look forward to accompanying the Queen in the new year.”

Philip has enjoyed good health throughout his life. The Telegraph reports that Philip attended more than 400 events a year up until his 70s. On his 90th birthday, he announced that he would officially be cutting back on his royal duties.