Prince Philip, 96, admitted to hospital for hip operation after missing Easter church service in Windsor
The Duke of Edinburgh has been taken to a London hospital to undergo the planned procedure
PRINCE Philip has been admitted to hospital for a planned hip operation.
The 96-year-old is at the King Edward VII Hospital in central London.
He will undergo the procedure on Wednesday.
Philip has missed several public events in recent weeks, including an Easter church service in Windsor.
The prince announced in May that he was retiring from most public duties after decades of royal service.
Philip has suffered from heart disease and other ailments in recent years, but has generally remained in good health.
He and Elizabeth celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in November.
The Queen has praised her husband for his devotion and long years of service, calling him the rock she depends on.
Duke fitness key
PRINCE Philip’s op should be a success regardless of his age, according to a medical expert.
Scarlett McNally, of the Royal College of Surgeons, said: “Any operation and any anaesthetic carries some risk.
“What is most important is someone’s fitness, as in their heart and lung fitness, how much exercise they do and how well-nourished they are. That’s more important than someone’s chronological age.”
She said he can regain full mobility after the hip’s “ball and socket” is replaced. Mrs McNally added: “He is very fit, with good nutrition, so I’d hope for a very positive outcome.”