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The Duke of Edinburgh has left hospital in time for Christmas after spending four nights under doctors' care.

Prince Philip spent four nights in the King Edward VII's hospital in central London and left at 8.49am on Christmas Eve.

He will now head back to Sandingham to spend Christmas with his wife, Queen Elizabeth.

The Prince got into a car in a secluded street behind the hospital and sat in the front passenger seat.

(Image: Peter Macdiarmid/LNP)

(Image: Peter Macdiarmid/LNP)

Philip did not respond to photographers as he was driven away from the private hospital.

He did wave at a nurse as he was escorted to the car however.

Multiple police stood guard around the hospital as well as royal protection officers.

(Image: PA) (Image: PA)

Details about Philip's condition had been scant after the 98-year-old was admitted to the Marylebone hospital on Friday.

He was said to be receiving treatment for a "pre-existing condition" at a hospital that has cared for royal family members for decades.

When asked about his father's health on a visit to flood-hit communities in Yorkshire on Monday Prince Charles said: "He's being looked after very well in hospital.

(Image: PA) (Image: Indigo/Getty Images)

"At the moment that's all we know."

Charles added: "When you get to that age things don't work so well."

What may raise hopes for Prince Philip's longer term health is his proved hardiness.

(Image: PA)

(Image: PA)

At the age of 96 the Duke recovered well from a hip replacement in April 2018.

He also escaped with minor injuries after a dramatic car crash near Sandringham in January.

Philip has also been admitted to hospital for abdominal surgery, bladder infections and a blocked coronary artery - recovering from each with his well known "no fuss" approach.

Buckingham Palace has not go into details about Philip's pre-existing condition, or the nature of his treatment.

His decision to retire from public duties during 2017 was not health-related, Buckingham Palace said at the time of the announcement.