The Duke of Edinburgh is expected to spend several more days in hospital, where he is being treated for an infection, Buckingham Palace has said.
Prince Philip, 99, was admitted to King Edward VII’s hospital in central London a week ago as a “precautionary” measure for “observation and rest” after becoming unwell at Windsor Castle.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “The Duke of Edinburgh remains at King Edward VII’s hospital where he is receiving medical attention for an infection. He is comfortable and responding to treatment but is not expected to leave hospital for several days.”
No further details were given.
The exact reason for his admission has not been disclosed but it is said not to be Covid-related. Both he and the Queen received their vaccine jabs in January.
Philip travelled to the hospital by car, and walked in unaided. Prince William, asked about his grandfather on Monday, said: “He’s OK. They’re keeping an eye on him,” and he gave a wink.
On Tuesday, the Earl of Wessex said of his father in an interview with Sky News: “He’s a lot better, thank you very much indeed, and he’s looking forward to getting out, which is the most positive thing so we keep our fingers crossed.”
Asked whether Philip was frustrated to be in hospital, Edward laughed and replied: “Just a bit. I think that gets to all of us, and then, you can only watch the clock so many times and the walls are only so interesting.”
He added: “We’ve had some brilliant and lovely messages from all sorts of people and we really appreciate that and so does he, I’ve been passing them on. It’s fantastic, thank you.”
The duke received a visit from his son the Prince of Wales on Saturday. Charles spent 30 minutes at the hospital after making a 100-mile trip from his home in Highgrove, Gloucestershire. He left without making any comment.
Hospital Covid rules state that a visit from one person can be considered “in exceptional circumstances”.
Charles had not seen his father since before Christmas, and a source said: “The duke has been in hospital a few days longer than expected and the prince simply wanted to go and see him.”
