Duke of Edinburgh goes into hospital for hip surgery after event absences

The Duke of Edinburgh has been admitted to hospital for planned surgery on his hip that will take place today, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.

Philip, who is 96, is said to have complained of a problem with his hip, which caused him to miss a Windsor Castle event with the Queen last week. The Duke did not attend the Easter service at Windsor Castle on Sunday.

He also missed two other events at Windsor in recent days – last Thursday’s Royal Maundy Service and a parade on 22 March to mark Prince 0 Duke of Edinburgh stepped down from public duties Andrew’s appointment as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards.

Buckingham Palace said in a short statement: “His Royal Highness the Duke of Edin- burgh was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in London this afternoon for planned surgery on his hip, which will take place tomorrow.”

The Duke stepped down from his public duties last summer, but on occasion does attend events with the Queen.

When it was announced last year he would be retiring from official engagements, Buckingham Palace stressed the decision was not health-related and he had the full support of the Queen.

A month later he was admitted to the King Edward VII hospital as “a precautionary measure” following an infection from a pre-existing condition.