Duke of Edinburgh likely to remain in hospital for several days after successful procedure

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

The Duke of Edinburgh has undergone a successful hip replacement operation and is comfortable and in good spirits, Buckingham Palace has said.

Philip, 96, underwent a planned procedure on Wednesday after suffering with a hip problem for about a month.

The Queen, who is at Windsor Castle for the traditional Easter court, is being kept fully informed about the condition of the duke, who was admitted to the private King Edward VII hospital in Marylebone, central London, on Tuesday.

Buckingham Palace said in a short statement: “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.”

Details about which of the duke’s hip joints was replaced have not been released by Buckingham Palace.

The late Queen Mother underwent two successful hip operations in the 1990s, the first at the age of 95 and the second when she was 97.

Philip stepped down from his public duties last summer, but on occasion attends events with the Queen. When it was announced last year that he would be retiring from official engagements, Buckingham Palace stressed that the decision was not health-related and that he had the full support of the Queen.