Prince Philip is admitted to hospital for surgery on his hip

THE Duke of Edinburgh has been admitted to hospital and will undergo hip surgery today.

The 96-year-old did not attend the Easter service at Windsor Castle on Sunday, with his absence said to have been due to a hip problem.

He is scheduled to undergo planned surgery at the King Edward VII Hospital in Marylebone, London.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said yesterday: “His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in London this afternoon, for planned surgery on his hip, which will take place tomorrow. Further updates will be issued when appropriate.”

Prince Philip retired from royal duties last August, having announced his retirement in May.

It followed decades of supporting the Queen, as well as attending events for his own charities and organisations.

The Duke, who also missed two other events at Windsor in recent days – the Royal Maundy Service last Thursday and a parade on March 22 to mark Prince Andrew’s appointment as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards – conducted his final solo engagement last August, when he reviewed a parade of Royal Marines outside Buckingham Palace.

But he has since appeared on a number of occasions alongside the Queen at various engagements.

The Duke has largely kept good health and remained active throughout his life.

Last June, he was admitted to hospital as “a precautionary measure” following an infection arising from a pre-existing condition.

In 2011, he was treated for a blocked coronary artery and then in 2012, he had a bladder infection. A year later, he had exploratory abdominal surgery and then in 2014, underwent a “minor procedure” on his right hand.