The Duke of Edinburgh is recovering in hospital after successfully having a hip replacement.

Prince Philip, who is 96-years-old, is expected to remain in hospital for a few days to recover.

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said: “The Duke of Edinburgh has undergone a successful hip replacement operation. He is progressing satisfactorily at this early stage.

“His Royal Highness is likely to remain in hospital for several days. He is comfortable and in good spirits.”

This evening’s announcement confirms that The Queen’s husband underwent a full hip replacement procedure.

For the next few months, it is highly likely that he will need a walking aid or a wheelchair to cause him as little discomfort as possible.

Prince Philip has been in pain for over a month now and has been forced to cancel a number of rare public engagements.

Last Sunday, he missed the traditional Easter Day church service at Windsor Castle due to his injury. A few days before, The Queen’s husband also missed the Maundy Thursday service at St George’s Chapel.

The week before that, Prince Philip pulled out of an engagement where he was due to formally hand his role as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards onto his son, Prince Andrew, but could not attend as he was feeling unwell.

The Duke of Edinburgh retired from public duties in August 2017, although he still attends the occasional engagement.