Duke is ‘frustrated but a lot better’ says Prince Edward as palace says his father has infection and will stay in hospital
The Earl of Wessex has said the Duke of Edinburgh is "a lot better" as it was announced Prince Philip would spend several more days in hospital being treated for an infection.
Prince Philip is now into his eighth day at King Edward VII'S hospital and Prince Edward said his father was "looking forward to getting out" and the family were keeping their "fingers crossed".
The duke was admitted last Tuesday evening as a precautionary measure after feeling unwell, and walked into the building unaided.
At the time, Buckingham Palace did not disclose the reason for the 99-year-old duke's admission to the private London hospital, but have now revealed he is being treated for an infection and is "comfortable".
Prince Edward, who said he has spoken to his father on the phone, suggested the duke – who is known for his "no fuss" attitude – was a little frustrated at remaining in hospital and he had been passing on "brilliant and lovely messages" from well-wishers.
Buckingham Palace said: "The Duke of Edinburgh remains at King Edward VII'S Hospital where he is receiving medical attention for an infection. He is comfortable and responding to treatment but is not expected to leave hospital for several days."
Prince Edward was asked about his father by Sky News' royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills, while the broadcaster was filming a separate interview with the earl at his Bagshot Park home in Surrey. He said: "He's a lot better, thank you very much indeed, and he's looking forward to getting out, which is the most positive thing, so we keep our fingers crossed." Asked whether Prince Philip was frustrated to be in hospital, Prince
Edward laughed and replied: "Just a bit. I think that gets to all of us, and then you can only watch the clock so many times and the walls are only so interesting.
"We've had some brilliant and lovely messages from all sorts of people and we really appreciate that and so does he, I've been passing them on."
Prince Philip was initially due to spend a few days under medical care for "observation and rest" but on Friday sources said the duke – who turns 100 in June – was likely to remain in hospital.
A woman was airlifted to hospital after she fell at a popular walking spot and suffered a suspected broken leg.
Emergency services were called to Tinto Hill, south of Lanark and reaches 2,330 feet, after a female walker suffered an injury while out walking in the area on Monday at about 5.30pm.
Paramedics managed to reach the woman, but were
unable to move her due to her injury, which is a suspected lower leg fracture.
A local farmer assisted with therescuebyescortingamember of Moffat Mountain Rescue Team to where the woman lay injured. Mountain rescue team members then prepared the area for the arrival of a coastguard helicopter from Prestwick.
Further mountain rescue team members arrived on the scene and assisted paramedics from the Scottish Ambulance Service to carry the casualty to the helicopter which then transported her to the nearest hospital.
Remote meetings of the Scottish Parliament should be allowed on a permanent basis, a group of MSPS has recommended.
The cross-party group, which has been looking into Holyrood's response to coronavirus, said some of the changes should be adopted full-time.
The standards, procedures and public appointments committee said remote voting, along with virtual or hybrid meetings where some MSPS join by video link, should be allowed to continue beyond the pandemic if necessary.
Theyalsorecommendedcreating a new rule which makes it easier to change the parliament's standing orders.
Committee convener Bill Kidd MSP said: "The pandemic had an immediate impact on the work of the Scottish Parliament, with huge changes to how we operate.
"What has been clear to us during this inquiry, is that many of these changes need to become permanent."