LONDON: Queen Elizabeth II’s 99-year-old husband Prince Philip has undergone a successful heart procedure, Buckingham Palace said after he was transferred to a cardiac unit in London.
Royal officials said the Duke of Edinburgh, as he is formally known, “underwent a successful procedure for a pre-existing heart condition at St Bartholomew’s Hospital” on Wednesday. “His Royal Highness will remain in hospital for treatment, rest and recuperation for a number of days,” they added.
Philip has now spent more than two weeks in hospital, his longest every stay, raising fears for his health because of his advanced age. He will turn 100 on June 10. He was first admitted to the private King Edward VII Hospital in central London on February 16. Buckingham Palace said initially that he was expected to stay there for a “few days” after walking in unaided.
Later, the palace said that he was being treated for an infection, without specifying further. On Monday, he was taken to the state-run St Bartholomew’s Hospital near St Paul’s Cathedral for testing and observation of a “pre-existing heart condition”.
Philip had a stent fitted in 2011 after suffering a blocked coronary artery, undergoing treatment at the specialist Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge.
His daughter-in-law Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, said on Wednesday that Philip was “slightly improving” but “hurts at moments.” “We keep our fingers crossed,” she added. Philip’s eldest son and heir to the throne, Prince Charles, visited him in hospital last week.
Philip’s youngest son Prince Edward and grandson Prince William have both commented on his state of health. Edward said his father was looking forward to being discharged. William said he was in good hands and being closely monitored.
Queen Elizabeth II, who is 94, has herself continued her royal duties despite her husband’s illness. The couple have been married for more than 73 years.
