The 99-year-old Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in London on February 17 after feeling ill. Later, the palace confirmed that he was being treated for an infection.
Philip spent 14 days and 13 nights there – his longest hospital stay to date – before being transferred on Monday to St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, also in London, where doctors will continue to treat him for an infection, as well as conducting tests and observation for pre-existing heart disease.
The duke remains comfortable and is responding to treatment, but is expected to remain in the hospital at least until the end of the week, according to a statement from the royal communications office.
Prince Philip’s youngest son, Prince Edward, recently told Sky News UK that his father was “much better” and was looking forward to returning home.
“We received some brilliant and kind messages from all kinds of people. And we really appreciate that, and so does he. I’ve been sending them,” said Edward.
Philip’s grandson, Prince William, said earlier that his grandfather was “fine” and that the hospital staff was keeping an eye on him.
Prince Philip, who turns 100 in June, withdrew from public life in 2017 and has been taken to the hospital several times in recent years. In December 2019, he received hospital treatment for a pre-existing illness. The Duke of Edinburgh also handed over his driver’s license in February 2019 after being involved in a car accident.
The Queen and her husband spent most of last year at Windsor Castle, outside London, having moved from Buckingham Palace during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in spring 2020. In April 2020, the Duke of Edinburgh made a rare public statement, thanking key workers across the UK.
The Queen and Prince Philip received the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine in January 2021.