Just 5 weeks after getting new hip at age of 96, brave Philip’s back at the wheel
IT is only five weeks since he underwent gruelling hip replacement surgery. But the Duke of Edinburgh was as doughty as ever as he made his first public appearance since leaving hospital.
Prince Philip drove himself through the grounds of Windsor Castle to join the Queen at Royal Windsor Horse Show.
She appeared delighted to see him and the pair were pictured, quite unusually, chatting affectionately to each other through the open window of his Land Rover. By his side was his frequent companion Countess Mountbatten of Burma, who was formerly known as Lady Penny Romsey.
The elegant blonde, 65, has been friends with Philip for decades and the pair often enjoy carriage- driving together. Philip, who will turn 97 next month, looked slightly tired and rheumy-eyed but still offered a mischievous grin as he chatted with his wife and his friend. Notably, however, he did not step out of his car in public, possibly because of the uneven ground which could have caused him to trip. Philip has been keen to recover from surgery in time for the horse show, one of the highlights of the royal calendar, and for Prince Harry’s wedding a week today.
According to royal insiders he has been walking up and down stairs to ensure he can stand without a stick.
A source told The Sun: ‘ The Duke is already walking unaided. He has amazing willpower. When he sets his mind to something he gets on and does it. He has been walking up and down stairs several times in succession. He has also been charging across rooms at full speed. He even had to be told to slow down.’
The Queen’s youthful appearance also belied her 92 years. Dressed in a headscarf and pearls, with a slick of fuchsia lipstick, she wore a pair of stylish sunglasses and a £69.99 quilted popperfront jacket from British label David Barry, teamed with a tweed skirt. A million miles from Windsor Castle – Pages 12&13