Prince Philip has been transferred to a different hospital after 14 days fighting an infection so that he is able to have scans on a pre-existing heart condition.
It is the Duke of Edinburgh’s longest ever stay in hospital. The duke’s previous longest stay in hospital was in 2013, when he had an operation on his abdomen. The 99 year old was admitted to King Edward VII’s Hospital in London on Tuesday, February 16 as a precautionary measure after feeling unwell. Prince Philip’s admission has nothing to do with Covid.
Today, a Buckingham Palace spokesman stated: “The Duke of Edinburgh was today transferred from King Edward VII’s Hospital to St Bartholomew’s Hospital where doctors will continue to treat him for an infection, as well as undertake testing and observation for a pre-existing heart condition. The Duke remains comfortable and is responding to treatment but is expected to remain in hospital until at least the end of the week.”
This is the first time that a pre-existing heart condition has been mentioned however he has had procedures on his chest after suffering chest pains, such as in 2011. A marked police van blocked the side street at the hospital as uniformed officers stood along the street next to the hospital today. At a rear entrance umbrellas were used to shield the gap between the hospital and the NHS ambulance. Nicholas Witchell, BBC Royal correspondent, declared: “This is not the reassuring news people were hoping for. We have learnt for the first time he has a pre-existing heart condition – it adds a new dimension.”
The Queen and other members of the royal family have continued with their duties while the duke has been in hospital, although some have visited. The Queen made a touching gesture to her husband by wearing a silver brooch from their engagement in her latest public appearance in a video call with health leaders.
Apparently Prince Harry is planning to come back to the UK if his grandfather’s condition deteriorates and is being kept “regularly informed” of developments. Harry and Meghan were filming a tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey when the Duke of Edinburgh was first hospitalised.
The Duke of Sussex has already made arrangements to fly over from the US via private jet and is self-isolating at his Californian mansion with Meghan and Archie to make sure that he will be able to travel instantly if required.