Prince Philip Admitted To Hospital For Surgery
Britain’s Prince Philip was admitted to the hospital on Thursday for an exploratory operation, according to an announcement by Buckingham Palace.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s surgery will take place on Friday under general anesthetic, according to the announcement, which added that the hospital stay was planned and not an emergency.
The news of Prince Philip’s hospitalization comes just days after the husband of Queen Elizabeth II pulled out of an engagement for the Royal National Institute of Blind People after he became unwell.
The Duke attended the service on Tuesday to mark 60 years since his wife’s coronation and was also present at a garden party attended by the Queen at Buckingham Palace on Thursday afternoon.
However, Prince Philip has also been having unannounced “abdominal investigations” at the hospital in central London, according to the BBC. Guests on Thursday reported no signs that the duke was unwell.
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman commented on the operation, saying, “He is in very good health. He felt unwell on Monday and missed an engagement, but that was down to the fact that he had temporarily lost his voice.”
The 91-year-old Prince Philip will likely be in the London Clinic for up to two weeks. The Palace added that further updates on his condition will be issued “when appropriate.” A spokeswoman added, “He is in good spirits.” The London Clinic is a private hospital and a longtime favorite of celebrities and royals.
Philip’s health was also in the spotlight last summer when he spent almost a week in the hospital for a stubborn bladder infection. He also spent Christmas 2011 in the hospital while being treated for a blocked coronary artery. The Duke of Edinburgh, much like his queen, has cut back on overseas travel in recent years, though they both maintain active public schedules in Britain.
While Prince Philip undergoes surgery, Queen Elizabeth II is expected to carry out her scheduled arrangements on Friday.
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