Prince Philip, the 90-year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth II, was hospitalised yesterday with a bladder infection and will miss the rest of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Buckingham Palace said.
The new health scare comes less than six months after the outspoken British royal patriarch suffered chest pains during the Christmas break and had to undergo a medical procedure to treat a blocked coronary artery.
“The Duke of Edinburgh was taken to King Edward VII Hospital in London this afternoon, from Windsor Castle, as a precautionary measure after developing a bladder infection, which is being accessed and treated,” the palace said in a statement.
“Prince Philip will remain in hospital under observation for a few days. He is, understandably, disappointed about missing this evening’s Diamond Jubilee Concert and tomorrow’s engagements.”
The Queen, 86, is due to light the centrepiece in a chain of 4,200 beacons spanning the Commonwealth following a star-studded concert in front of Buckingham Palace yesterday, featuring Elton John, Tom Jones, Paul McCartney, Shirley Bassey and Stevie Wonder. She will now also be without her husband during a ceremonial carriage procession through the streets of London today that will round off the jubilee festivities.
Prince Philip, the longest serving royal consort in British history, will turn 91 on Sunday but will likely mark the occasion with his characteristic lack of fuss.
He appeared in good health on Sunday as he travelled on the royal barge in chilly conditions during a 1,000-boat river pageant for the Jubilee.
Revellers attending yesterday night’s concert were dismayed to hear the news of his illness.
“He’s almost as important to the monarchy as the queen is,” said Nigel Hainsworth, who was camping out on The Mall, the ceremonial route to Buckingham Palace. “He’s been by her side for 60 years”.
“He’s been her rock, there’s no doubt about that,” added Mr Hainsworth’s father John.
On December 23, Prince Philip was admitted to hospital after complaining of chest pains, and was found to have a blocked coronary artery. He underwent surgery to have a stent fitted before being released on December 27.