Prince Philip, 99, begins his second weekend at the hospital on his longest stay

Prince Philip began his second weekend at the hospital in what is now his longest stay while he fights an infection.

The 99-year-old Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in London last Tuesday night as a precautionary measure after feeling ill, and entered the building without assistance.

Buckingham Palace said last Tuesday that Philip was “comfortable” and “responding” to medical aid.

Her son, Prince Edward, also said this week that Philip was ‘much better’, but ‘eager to go out’ with the royal family was keeping his ‘fingers crossed’.

Today, the Duke went through his longest stay in the hospital while continuing to receive treatment for the infection for the 12th day.

He spent 11 days in the hospital in 2013 after an operation on his abdomen.

Pictures from outside the hospital this morning show policemen standing guard.

A royal source said yesterday that he did not expect to make any updates about the duke until at least next week.

At the time of Philip’s admission to the hospital, the palace did not disclose the reason, but said on Tuesday that he was being treated for an infection.

Edward, who said he spoke to his father on the phone, suggested that the duke, who is known for his ‘carefree’ attitude, was somewhat frustrated by staying at the hospital.

The palace said on Tuesday: ‘The Duke of Edinburgh remains at King Edward VII Hospital, where he is receiving medical attention because of an infection. He is comfortable and responding to treatment, but he must not leave the hospital for several days. ‘

Edward was asked about his father by Sky News’ real correspondent Rhiannon Mills while she was filming a separate interview with him at her home in Bagshot Park in Surrey.

He replied: ‘He is much better, thank you very much, and is looking forward to leaving, which is the most positive thing, so we keep our fingers crossed’.

Asked if Philip, who turned 100 in June, was frustrated at being in the hospital, Edward laughed and replied: ‘Just a little.

“I think it affects all of us, so you can only watch the clock so many times and the walls are very interesting.

‘We received some brilliant and lovely messages from all kinds of people and we really appreciate that, and he, too, I have passed on. It’s fantastic, thanks. ‘

Philip was initially supposed to spend a few days in medical care for “observation and rest”, but last Friday it was learned that he was likely to stay in the hospital this week.

Philip’s 11th day at the hospital came when his grandson, Prince Harry, was interviewed by James Corden on the Late Late Show in America.

During the conversation, Harry revealed how Philip knows how to use Zoom – but simply closes his laptop to end calls instead of pressing the Exit button.

The Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen called the Sussex ‘times’ and even saw Archie ‘running around,’ added Harry.

Prince Charles took a 320-km round trip to see Philip at the hospital last weekend, which royal experts say was to reassure the duke about Harry and the continuing turmoil caused by Megxit.

Charles’s surprise visit to Philip’s bedside on Saturday afternoon must have touched on “important” events since he was admitted to the hospital.