The 90-year-old royal has been in hospital since Friday (23.12.11) after complaining of chest pains and undergoing a life-saving heart operation, but is now fit enough to return to his family on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
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A Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed: “He will be rejoining the Queen and the other members of the royal family at Sandringham.
“On departure, Prince Philip thanked the staff at Papworth for the excellent care he has received during his stay. He is very much looking forward to rejoining his family.”
The prince required a stent to be fitted after suffering with a blocked artery.
He had hoped to have been released in time for the traditional Boxing Day hunt yesterday (26.12.11)but had to be kept in for another night.
Philip seemed to be in good spirits when he left the hospital, rolling down the window of his Range Rover and waving to the amassed press.
Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles and his grandchildren Prince William and Harry were among the visitors he had at the hospital following the operation.
