Prince Philip’s hip op a ‘success’

PRINCE Philip was in hospital last night, resting after successful hip replacement surgery.

The 96-year-old Duke of Edinburgh had the surgery at the private King Edward VII Hospital in Marylebone, London, after pain had forced him to cancel several appearances in recent weeks.

He missed an Easter Maundy service, an Easter Sunday service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor and a ceremony at Windsor Castle to formally hand over his role as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards to his son Prince Andrew.

Though he retired from public life last August, he has continued to appear alongside the Queen at several events.

Buckingham Palace said the Duke has “undergone a successful operation and is progressing satisfactorily at this early stage. His Royal Highness is likely to remain in hospital for several days. He is comfortable and in good spirits”.

Dr Liam Brennan, president of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, said operations are not a problem for people of the Duke’s age as long as they are in good health. The Queen Mother, who lived to 101, had two successful hip operations – the first when she was 95 and another when she was 97. Dr Brennan said: “The anaesthetic team involved in HRH’s care will have discussed the option for anaesthesia with him, taking into account his health and wishes.”

Patients at King Edward’s have included the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William.

The Duchess of Cambridge was treated there for severe morning sickness during her pregnancy with Prince George in 2012.