Queen’s fears as Philip risks hip surgery at age of 96
Queen & Philip PRINCE Philip is having hip surgery today after suffering weeks of agony.
The Duke of Edinburgh, 96, went into hospital last night in what Buckingham Palace said was a “planned admittance”.
But the Queen, 91, will be concerned due to the greater risk of complications with having general anaesthetic at his age.
However, Philip and his doctors were thought to have decided that the benefits of the surgery would outweigh the risks.
Last night he went into the private King Edward VII Hospital in Marylebone, Central London.
Buckingham Palace said: “Further updates will be issued when appropriate.”
The prince’s hip has been troubling him for about a month.
He cancelled his appearance at the Royal Maundy service at Windsor Castle last week and was not with the Queen at the Easter Sunday church service.
Scarlett Mcnally of the Royal College of Surgeons said: “All operations may have complications and some are at greater risk.
“Fitness is more important than age. Surgeons will take account of these risks in helping patients decide whether they wish to proceed with surgery.”
She added: “Performing it on higher-risk patients still provides great benefit for the majority.”
Philip has had a series of health issues in his 90s and retired from public duties in August, saying: “I can’t stand up much longer.”