Prince Philip involved in car crash near Sandringham, palace confirms

Prince Philip has been involved in a dramatic car crash close to the Queen’s estate in Sandringham, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.

The Duke of Edinburgh, 97, escaped the crash unhurt after the Range Rover he was driving rolled on to its side at around 3pm local time on Thursday.

Witnesses who helped the duke out of the car told the BBC he appeared “shocked and shaken” following the crash, which happened after he pulled out of a driveway onto the A149. The palace confirmed one other car was involved.

A Buckingham Palace statement said: “The Duke of Edinburgh was involved in a road traffic accident with another vehicle this afternoon. The duke was not injured. The accident took place close to the Sandringham Estate. Local police attended the scene.”

#BREAKING: Buckingham Palace has just confirmed Prince Philip has been involved in a dramatic car crash. #9Today pic.twitter.com/V72n7eiyzc

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According to the BBC, two people were treated for minor injuries – neither of whom were thought to be the prince – while he was seen by a doctor but given the all clear. He is now thought to be resting with the Queen by his side.

Philip, who retired from all his public royal engagements in August 2017, has been staying in Sandringham as usual with the Queen for the last few weeks following their Christmas celebrations.

Sky’s royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills explained: “From what I understand, Prince Philip has been seen by a doctor since that accident took place. I’m told that was a precautionary measure and that he is doing fine and that we should not be unduly concerned.

“Obviously, the fact that he is 97 years old will bring with it its own concerns. He is of course very independent and he has been a very active man.”

While Philip officially retired in 2017, he has appeared alongside the Queen at a series of events since – including the weddings of both Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie.

Announcing his retirement at the time, Buckingham Palace calculated he had completed 22,219 solo engagements since 1952.

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