The Duke of Edinburgh has been admitted to hospital with an infection, Buckingham Palace said as it announced the Queen will attend the State Opening of Parliament and Royal Ascot without him.
Telegraph says Prince Philip is understood to have been taken to hospital by car from Windsor to London on Tuesday evening, as a precautionary measure on the advice of his doctor. He has been out of bed on Wednesday, and is said to be in good spirits.
Prince Charles has accompanied the Queen instead of his father to the State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “The Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in London last night, as a precautionary measure, for treatment of an infection arising from a pre-existing condition.
“Prince Philip is in good spirits and is disappointed to be missing the State Opening of Parliament and Royal Ascot. “The Prince of Wales will accompany The Queen to the State Opening.
“Her Majesty is being kept informed and will attend Royal Ascot as planned this afternoon.”
The Duke of Edinburgh has missed the State Opening of Parliament 11 times since 1956. The Prince of Wales has accompanied the Queen twice, in 1994 and 1996. On Wednesday, he sat beside the Queen on the throne in the place usually taken by his father.
News of the Duke’s illness comes shortly after he announced he would stand down from official public duties from the autumn.
Just yesterday, he attended Royal Ascot, accompanying the Queen for a full day of activity in hot temperatures.
On Saturday, he appeared at Trooping the Colour, appearing in good spirits for the carriage ride and with his family on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
Despite news of his retirement, the Duke has seemed in good health following several years of minor illness.
and then