Prince Philip has been admitted to hospital with a chest infection.
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The Duke of Edinburgh, the 86-year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth, was taken to London’s King Edward VII Hospital for “assessment and treatment”
yesterday afternoon (03.04.08).
A spokeswoman for his London residence Buckingham Palace added: “His Royal Highness’s programme of engagements for the weekend has been cancelled.”
Philip was forced to miss a service of thanksgiving for explorer Sir Edmund Hillary on Wednesday (02.04.08) because of a “heavy cold” which subsequently developed into a chest infection.
However, the palace was keen to stress the duke’s admittance to hospital was a precautionary, rather than necessary measure.
He is understood to be sitting up and working on his correspondence and paper work at the private London hospital.
None of Philip’s engagements for next week have been cancelled.
On Monday (07.04.08), he is due to attend two engagements at royal Berkshire residence Windsor Castle, a council meeting and a dinner.
He is also scheduled to visit Dartmouth’s Britannia Royal Naval College with the queen on Thursday (10.04.08).
Philip has been described as a robust and active man who enjoys good health.
However, last October, it was reported he had been suffering from a secret heart condition for the past 15 years.
The prince, who is patron of the British Heart Foundation, is believed to take regular medication for his illness, and his entourage are on constant alert to take him straight to hospital if he becomes dizzy of short of breath.
