Duke in ‘good spirits’ after hip replacement

THE DUKE of Edinburgh has undergone a successful hip replacement operation and is comfortable and in good spirits, Buckingham Palace has said.

Philip, 96, was operated on earlier on Wednesday in a planned procedure after suffering with a hip problem for about a month.

The Queen, who is at Windsor Castle for the traditional Easter Court, is being kept fully informed about the condition of the duke, who was admitted to the private King Edward VII hospital in Marylebone, central London, on Tuesday.

Buckingham Palace said in a short statement: “The Duke of Edinburgh has undergone a successful hip replacement operation. He is progressing satisfactorily at this early stage. His Royal Highness is likely to remain in hospital for several days. He is comfortable and in good spirits.”

Details about which of the duke’s hip joints has been replaced have not been released by Buckingham Palace but the late Queen Mother underwent two successful hip operations in the 1990s, first when aged 95 then later when she was 97.

An expert said the Duke’s fitness is more important than his age.

Scarlett McNally, an orthopaedic surgeon, said the 96-year-old’s cardiovascular health will determine how quickly he gets back on his feet.

She said medics will be aiming to get Philip home in just a few days after the planned operation.

Mrs McNally, a council member for the Royal College of Surgeons, said: “What is most important is someone’s fitness, as in their heart and lung fitness and how much exercise they do and how well nourished they are.”