Prince Philip taken to hospital for treatment for 'pre-existing condition', Buckingham Palace confirms

Robert Jobson20 December 2019

The Duke of Edinburgh is being treated in hospital in London, Buckingham Palace has said.

The 98-year-old travelled from Norfolk this morning to the King Edward VII Hospital in London for what the palace described as “observation and treatment in relation to a pre-existing condition.”

The announcement came as the Queen arrived at the Norfolk estate after travelling from the capital on Friday.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: "The Duke of Edinburgh travelled from Norfolk this morning to the King Edward VII Hospital in London for observation and treatment in relation to a pre-existing condition.

"The admission is a precautionary measure, on the advice of His Royal Highness' Doctor."

Prince Philip: The Duke of Edinburgh - In pictures

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A source said: “Obviously there is always some degree of concern given the duke’s age but this is procedural rather than an emergency.

“The Duke is widely just following the advice of his doctors."

The Duke is expected to be in hospital for a few days. He was not taken by ambulance and it was a planned admission.

He is still expected to spend Christmas with the Queen and the rest of the royal family.

There are police officers guarding the main entrance to King Edward VII's Hospital in Marylebone, following the Duke of Edinburgh's admittance.

Further officers are stationed along the street, in front of the hospital adorned with Christmas decorations.

Philip, who will turn 99 in the summer in June, retired from his royal duties two-and-a-half years ago, due to bouts of ill health forcing him to pull out of engagements.

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