Prince Philip taken to hospital for surgery after missing Easter services

Prince Philip has been admitted to hospital for planned surgery, just days after he was forced to miss the royal Easter church services due to a hip problem.

The Queen’s much-loved husband, 96, is in the King Edward VII Hospital in London ahead of the scheduled operation, which is due to take place on Wednesday in the UK.

A statement from Buckingham Palace said: “His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in London this afternoon, for planned surgery on his hip which will take place tomorrow. Further updates will be issued when appropriate.”

It comes amid reports Philip missed Sunday’s Easter church service due to a hip problem. He also missed the Maundy service last Thursday, as well as an appearance at Windsor Castle the week before. 

Read more: Dodgy hip forces Prince Philip to pull out of centuries-old service

The Queen is thought to be in Windsor while her husband is treated in hospital.

Prince Philip officially retired from public duties last year but the palace said at the time that his decision to step back from official royal duties wasn’t related to ill-health, and he still attends events with the Queen on occasion.

He has attended a total of 22,219 solo engagements since 1952 and has given up some special causes that are very close to his heart.

Philip enjoyed his final public engagement last year, when he met Royal Marines at Buckingham Palace. Shortly after announcing his retirement, he joined the Queen at St James’s Palace for a service and lunch for the Order of Merit.

Showing his witty humour there, he laughed and joked with guests about his decision. When the mathematician Sir Michael Atiyah told him: “I’m sorry to hear you’re standing down,” Philip shot back: “Well I can’t stand up much longer.”

In a statement at the time, Buckingham Palace said: “In taking this decision, the duke has the full support of the Queen. Prince Philip will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August, both individually and accompanying the Queen.

“Thereafter, the duke will not be accepting new invitations for visits and engagements, although he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time. Her Majesty will continue to carry out a full programme of official engagement with the support of members of the royal family.”

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