Duke of Edinburgh is slightly improving but ‘hurts at moments’

THE Duke of Edinburgh is “slightly improving” but he “hurts at moments”, the Duchess of Cornwall has said.

On a visit to south London, Camilla said of her 99-year-old father-in-law: “We keep our fingers crossed.”

Prince Philip, the nation’s longest-serving consort, has spent 15 nights in hospital – his longest stay.

He is undergoing testing for a pre-existing heart condition and treatment for an infection after being moved by ambulance to St Bartholomew’s Hospital on Monday. The move heightened concerns for the duke, who will be

100 in June.

Camilla’s comments were reported by broadcasters covering her engagement yesterday at a community vaccination centre in Croydon.

Buckingham Palace said on Monday the duke was comfortable, adding “doctors will continue to treat him for an infection, as well as undertake testing and observation for a pre-existing heart condition”.

The prince was shielded from public view with umbrellas as he left for St Bartholomew’s, which is an internationally renowned NHS hospital and home to Barts Heart Centre – Europe’s largest specialised cardiovascular service.

He was initially admitted to the private King Edward VII’S Hospital on February 16 as a precautionary measure. Four days later, he was visited by the Prince of Wales, who made a 200-mile round trip and stayed for 30 minutes.

Philip has spent most of lockdown residing at Windsor Castle with the Queen for their safety.