Charles ‘thrilled’ as father returns to castle
LOOKING FRAIL and gaunt, the Duke of Edinburgh was yesterday reunited with the Queen after leaving hospital following a month-long stay receiving treatment.
Philip, 99, was said to be in good spirits after spending 28 nights as an in-patient – his longest ever stay in hospital.
He was initially receiving care for an infection then underwent heart surgery for a pre-existing condition.
During a visit to a Covid-19 vaccination clinic at a London mosque with the Duchess of Cornwall, the Prince of Wales said about his father leaving hospital: “It’s very good news, I’m thrilled about it.”
When asked if he had spoken to Philip, he said: “Oh yes, I have spoken to him several times.”
Buckingham Palace confirmed the Duke of Edinburgh had left King Edward VII’s Hospital and returned to Windsor Castle.
A statement added: “His Royal Highness wishes to thank all the medical staff who looked after him at both King Edward VII’s Hospital and St Bartholomew’s Hospital, and everyone who has sent their good wishes.”
Philip was pushed in a wheelchair to a waiting car when he left the private hospital in London yesterday, after first being admitted on February 16.
He was partially obscured by a screen erected at the rear of the hospital but a man appeared to help him into the chauffeurdriven saloon. He was initially taken to King Edward VII’s Hospital by car a month ago after feeling unwell at Windsor.
But two weeks later, the Duke was moved to St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London by ambulance where he had a successful procedure on a pre-existing heart condition on March 3, just three months before his 100th birthday.
A few days later, Philip was transferred back to King Edward’s.