Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Philip declared ‘no fuss’ before docs ordered him into hospital
Philip battled sickness for days before relenting He walked into the hospital and is in ‘good spirits’
DOCTORS finally persuaded Prince Philip to go to hospital after he had battled sickness for several days – because he did not want to cause a fuss.
The Duke of Edinburgh is to spend “a few days resting, while under observation” at the King Edward VII Hospital in London.
Royal aides said the decision to admit the 99-year-old was taken with an “abundance” of precaution.
Palace sources said the “Iron Duke”, who turns 100 in June, was in good spirits last night and confirmed he walked into the hospital unaided on Tuesday night.
The Queen and Prince Philip received their first Covid-19 vaccinations last month, and Buckingham Palace confirmed the Duke’s illness is not Covid-related.
It is not known whether his hospital stay is related to a preexisting condition.
A royal source said: “We are all aware of the Duke’s character and he will want the minimum of fuss made, especially when the doctors and nurses are all working so hard during the pandemic.
“He was happy to go in as a precaution and is in good spirits.
“He’s been told to rest and will stay in for a few days doing so.”
Philip, who has mostly been staying with the Queen at Windsor Castle throughout the coronavirus pandemic, had been feeling unwell for a short period before a royal doctor was called. After accepting the advice of the physician, the Duke agreed to travel to hospital by car and was “not considered an emergency admission”.
The Duke is not expected to have any visitors during his stay, in keeping with Covid procedures.
HOSPITAL
Philip has been known to shun any fuss when forced to stay overnight on previous hospital visits.
He is now rarely seen in public after stepping down from official engagements in August 2017 after completing more than 22,000 solo events and thousands more alongside the Queen.
He made a rare public appearance at Windsor Castle last July, almost three years after his retirement from official duties, to attend a socially distanced ceremony to hand over a key military role to his daughter-in-law Camilla.
Philip was seen bounding down the steps of the main house and chatting to soldiers ahead of the ceremony – his final engagement after 70 years of service.
He is well-known for being fit for his age, with aides often commenting how he appears “sprightly” as he walks the corridors of the Berkshire residence.
He last had a spell in hospital when he spent four nights at King Edward VII in December 2019, where he was treated for a “preexisting condition” before being discharged on Christmas Eve. The
He was happy to go in as a precaution.. he’s been told to rest ROYAL SOURCE ON PHILIP’S HOSPITAL STAY
Duke has had treatment for various health conditions – including after a serious car crash near his Sandringham home in Norfolk in January 2019, while driving at the age of 97.
He was shocked and shaken but somehow unhurt after he hit a car and flipped his Land Rover across lanes.
BRUSQUE
Philip did not stay in hospital overnight but surrendered his driving licence three weeks later.
In 2018 Philip had a hip replacement at the King Edward VII hospital.
The former naval officer, renowned for his sometimes brusque manner and humour, was also taken to hospital for an abdomen op in 2013 and, in 2014, underwent surgery on his right hand. His most serious treatment was for a blocked coronary artery in 2011. The following year he suffered a bladder infection and had to miss the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee concert.
After retiring in 2017, Philip spent most of his time at his cottage Wood Farm at Sandringham in Norfolk, more than 100 miles away from the Queen, who was usually at Buckingham Palace or at Windsor.
But they were reunited at the Berkshire castle for their safety, with Philip flown there by helicopter on March 19 last year ahead of the restriction on movements amid the Covid-19 crisis.
The Queen has stayed at Windsor Castle, working as normal. Yesterday she spoke by phone to First Sea Lord,
Admiral Tony Radakin, about the work of the Royal Navy at home and overseas. The royals have a number of on-call doctors who work round the clock every day of the year. They have acted with a great deal of precaution when admitting the Queen and Prince Philip to hospital.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to King Edward VII’S Hospital in London on Tuesday evening.
“The Duke’s admission is a precautionary measure, on the advice of His Royal Highness’s doctor, after feeling unwell. The Duke is expected to remain in hospital for a few days of observation and rest.” Politicians and royal commentators sent messages to the Duke throughout the day.
Boris Johnson’s spokesman said: “The Prime Minister sends his best wishes to the Duke of Edinburgh as he undergoes a few days of rest in hospital.” Health secretary Matt Hancock wrote on Twitter: “Really sorry to hear that HRH the Duke of Edinburgh is in hospital. Sending him my best wishes for a speedy recovery.”
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward tweeted: “Wishing the Duke of Edinburgh a quick recovery. He was admitted to hospital in London yesterday evening on the advice of this doctor after feeling unwell. Hopefully his stay will only last a few days.”