Prince Philip has ‘successful procedure’ for pre-existing heart condition and will remain in hospital

The Duke of Edinburgh, 99, will stay in hospital for a number of days
Robert Jobson4 March 2021

The Duke of Edinburgh has had a successful procedure for a pre-existing heart condition, Buckingham Palace has said.

Philip, 99, was treated at St Bartholomew’s Hospital on Wednesday.

The Palace said the duke, who turns 100 in June, would remain in hospital for treatment, rest and recuperation for a number of days.

The news came hours after a second trailer for Harry and Meghan’s highly-anticipated interview with Oprah Winfrey was released. In the clip, the Duchess of Sussex suggests “The Firm” - widely considered to be shorthand for the institution of the Royal Family - played a part in “perpetuating falsehoods” about her and Harry.

Philip, the nation’s longest-serving consort, has spent 16 nights in hospital – his longest ever stay.

He was moved by ambulance to St Bartholomew’s Hospital in the City of London on Monday for testing for the pre-existing heart condition, as well as treatment for an infection.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Thursday: “The Duke of Edinburgh yesterday underwent a successful procedure for a pre-existing heart condition at St Bartholomew’s Hospital.

“His Royal Highness will remain in hospital for treatment, rest and recuperation for a number of days”.

Philip was was initially admitted to the private King Edward VII’s Hospital on February 16 as a precautionary measure after feeling unwell.

Prince Philip Departs King Edward VII’s Hospital: In Pictures

Prince Philip Departs King Edward VII's Hospital In London
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Four days later, he was visited by his eldest son the Prince of Wales, who made a 200-mile round trip and stayed for around 30 minutes.

The Palace later said he was being treated for an infection.

Philip was then moved to St Bartholomew’s on Monday. It is an internationally renowned NHS hospital and home to Barts Heart Centre – Europe’s largest specialised cardiovascular service.

He was shielded from public view with umbrellas as he was transferred. The Palace later released a statement saying that he was “comfortable”.

Speaking on Wednesday, the Duchess of Cornwall said Philip was “slightly improving”, adding: “We heard today that he’s slightly improving. So, that’s very good news. We’ll keep our fingers crossed.”

Philip has been treated for heart problems in the past. In 2011, he was rushed to hospital by helicopter from Sandringham after suffering chest pains as the Royal Family were preparing for Christmas.

In the serious health scare, he was treated for a blocked coronary artery at Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire and underwent a minimally invasive procedure of coronary stenting.

The duke has spent most of lockdown residing at Windsor Castle with the Queen for their safety, alongside a reduced household of staff dubbed HMS Bubble. He and the Queen, who have been married for 73 years, have had their first Covid vaccine.

Harry and Meghan have faced calls to postpone their controversial Oprah interview while the duke is unwell. The chat is expected to lift the lid on their short period as working royals before they stepped down for a life in America.

Last week, a preview was released showing Harry talking about his fears that “history would repeat itself”, in reference to the death of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales.

In the latest clip, Winfrey asks the duchess: “How do you feel about the Palace hearing you speak your truth today?”

She replies: “I don’t know how they could expect that, after all of this time, we would still just be silent if there is an active role that The Firm is playing in perpetuating falsehoods about us.

“And, if that comes with risk of losing things, I mean, I … there is a lot that has been lost already.”

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