Duke back in private hospital Prince Philip to rest after successful heart surgery

The Duke of Edinburgh has been transferred back to a private hospital after undergoing surgery for a pre-existing heart condition at a leading cardiac unit.

Prince Philip, 99, has spent 16 nights in hospital after being admitted as a precaution for “rest and observation”.

On Monday, he was transferred from King Edward VII’S Hospital to St Bartholomew’s, where he underwent a successful procedure for his heart condition.

He was yesterday moved back to the private hospital, where members of the Royal family are usually treated, to continue his recovery.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “The Duke is expected to remain in hospital for continuing treatment for a number of days.”

The Duke’s extended stay in hospital has heightened concerns about his health, not least due to his advanced age.

The Duchess of Cornwall said on Wednesday that he was “slightly improving” and added: “We’ll keep our fingers crossed.”

The Duke has been treated for heart problems in the past. In 2011, he was rushed to hospital by helicopter from Sandringham after suffering chest pains as the Royal family were preparing for Christmas.

He was treated for a blocked coronary artery at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire and underwent a minimally invasive procedure of coronary stenting.