Prince Philip has spent a second night in hospital after becoming unwell and is being monitored on his doctor's advice.
The Duke of Edinburgh, who reportedly walked into the Prince Edward VII private hospital in London, is spending a few days in hospital as a precaution, Buckingham Palace said on Wednesday.
Philip, aged 99, who received a Covid-19 jab in January, was admitted on Tuesday evening, on the advice of his doctor, for “observation and rest”.
There will be clear concern for the Duke as a result of his advanced age – the Queen’s consort turns 100 on June 10 – but it is understood he walked into hospital unaided and is said to be in “good spirits”.
The Duke’s illness is not Covid-related and it is understood he had been feeling unwell for a short period before the doctor was called, and he was not an emergency admission but travelled to hospital by car.
A spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said yesterday: “The PM sends his best wishes to the Duke of Edinburgh as he undergoes a few days of rest in hospital.”
Philip has been spending the latest lockdown with the Queen at Windsor Castle after they decided to have a quiet Christmas and remain at their Berkshire residence rather than have a family gathering at Sandringham.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Wednesday: “His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to King Edward VII’s Hospital in London on Tuesday evening.
“The duke’s admission is a precautionary measure, on the advice of His Royal Highness’s doctor, after feeling unwell.
“The duke is expected to remain in hospital for a few days of observation and rest.”
It is understood the decision to admit Philip was taken with an “abundance” of precaution.
Philip last had a spell in hospital when he spent four nights at the King Edward VII’s in December 2019, where he was treated for a “pre-existing condition” and discharged on Christmas Eve.
