Prince Philip, the 96-year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth, was yesterday admitted to hospital for surgery on his hip, Buckingham Palace said.
Greek-born Philip has remained at his wife’s side throughout her 66-year reign, the longest in British history, and has earned a reputation for brusque comments and occasional gaffes at some of the thousands of ceremonial events he has attended.
Philip, or the Duke of Edinburgh as he is known in Britain, retired from public life last August, quipping at the time that he was no longer able to “stand up much”.
He was yesterday admitted to a London private hospital regularly used by the royals in preparation for a hip operation today, the palace said.
“The Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in London yesterday afternoon for planned surgery on his hip which will take place today,” the palace said in a statement.
“Further updates will be issued when appropriate.”
Outspoken, irascible and intensely private, the former naval officer has been one of the most influential figures in the British royal family for decades.
At times blunt to the point of rudeness, Philip is Elizabeth’s most important support.
Both the Queen, 91, and Philip have suffered some health issues in recent years.
The Queen missed a traditional Christmas church service in late 2016 for the first time in decades due to a heavy cold and was hospitalised in March 2013 with symptoms of gastroenteritis.
Last June, Philip spent two days in hospital as a precautionary measure for the treatment of an infection and he pulled out of another event in March because of ill health, according to newspaper reports.
He did not attend a church service last week attended by the monarch because of a hip problem, a royal source said last week.