Prince Philip leaves hospital two weeks after heart surgery following month-long stay

The Prince of Wales has said he was ‘thrilled’ his father had left hospital

The Duke of Edinburgh today left hospital after four weeks of treatment for an infection and a heart condition.

The Queen’s consort, who is set to celebrate his 100th birthday in June, was helped into a black BMW at the rear of the private King Edward VII hospital in Marylebone at about 10.30am before being driven away.

Prince Philip’s 28 days as an in-patient were his longest stay in hospital. 

He was taken to Windsor Castle to be reunited with the Queen after a month apart and is understood to be in good spirits.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “The Duke of Edinburgh has today been discharged from King Edward VII’s Hospital and has returned to Windsor Castle, following treatment for an infection  and a successful procedure for a pre-existing condition.

“His Royal Highness wishes to thank all the medical staff who looked after him at both King Edward VII’s Hospital and St Bartholomew’s Hospital, and everyone who has sent their good wishes.”

The Prince of Wales has said he is “thrilled” his father the Duke of Edinburgh has left hospital.

Speaking during a visit with the Duchess of Cornwall to a pop-up vaccination centre at Finsbury Park Mosque in central London, Charles said: “I am thrilled about it.”

When asked if he had spoken to Philip yet, he replied: “Oh yes, I have spoken to him several times.”

Prince Philip Departs King Edward VII’s Hospital: In Pictures

Prince Philip Departs King Edward VII's Hospital In London
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Earlier four police officers on motorcycles joined a dozen officers at the hospital entrance, fuelling speculation that the duke was about to be discharged.

He was first admitted on February 16 as a “precaution” after feeling unwell.

After the successful procedure at Bart’s on March 3 he returned to the King Edward VII hospital to recuperate and continue his treatment

Philip was visited there on February 20 by the Prince of Wales, who made a 200-mile round trip from his Gloucestershire home and stayed for about 30 minutes.

During Philip’s spell in hospital the Duke and Duchess of Sussex plunged the monarchy into a crisis by accusing a member of the royal family of racism — not the Queen or Philip — and claiming that Meghan received no support for  mental health problems.

Prince Harry and Meghan faced calls to postpone their interview with US chat show host Oprah Winfrey because Philip was unwell, but it went ahead.

Philip has been treated for heart problems in the past and in 2011 was taken to hospital by helicopter from Sandringham after suffering chest pains as the royal family was preparing for Christmas.

He was treated for a blocked coronary artery at Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire.

The duke had been spending the latest lockdown at Windsor with the Queen for their safety, alongside a reduced household of staff.

The Queen, 94, and duke, who have been married for 73 years, received their first Covid-19 jabs in January. Prince Philip retired from royal duties in 2017.

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