Buckingham Palace has announced that Prince Philip has been admitted to a London hospital and is facing major surgery to address his most recent health crisis.
Prince Philip in health alert: Duke pulls out of Windsor royal engagement #Royals https://t.co/RVz60Afh1Q pic.twitter.com/C09lxvEzOI
— Celebrities Report (@CelebritiesRep) March 23, 2018
The 96-year-old Duke of Edinburgh has faced a series of health scares recently which have kept him out of the public eye for some time.
The most recent and most notable absence was on Easter Sunday when he failed to make his usual appearance at St.George's Chapel for church services with the rest of the family.
"Prince Philip absence raises health concerns" via FOX NEWS https://t.co/ZZHRKitdWC pic.twitter.com/na7PMAvdL7
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The announcement claims that the surgery was planned and will correct a hip problem he has been suffering from for quite some time.
Prince Philip health update: How ill is Duke of Edinburgh? Why did he cancel engagement? #Royals https://t.co/exMJHe5Pza pic.twitter.com/L1kKUTv7tE
— Celebrities Report (@CelebritiesRep) March 23, 2018
The last time the Queen's husband was hospitalized was in June of 2017 when he battled an infection of an undisclosed nature.
Prince Philip suddenly pulls out of appearance over ill health. #RT https://t.co/9GdZgUxYLR pic.twitter.com/gXgWlCngd5
— Report UK (@ReportUK) June 24, 2017
Then, In August, the Palace announced that he would be retiring from all Royal duties effective immediately. At his age, he had served longer than anyone would have expected, actually staying on five years longer than originally planned.
Prince Philip keeps missing royal events, sparking concerns over his health https://t.co/LJLO9RQFK0 pic.twitter.com/KEkYHSgAVj
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) March 30, 2018
The Royal couple has been married for 70 years and, together, have served longer than any reigning couple in the Commonwealth's history.
As to the Queen's plans? She, too, is scaling back her duties and, at age 91, is handing many of her engagements over to her son, Prince Charles.
Prince Philip Cancels His Annual Appearance With Queen Elizabeth II Due to Hip Problems https://t.co/lHJcxqXzAb pic.twitter.com/vGkn0sGlhS
— Health & Beauty Tips (@HealthBeauty747) April 1, 2018
Although hip surgery can be routine, for someone of The Duke's advanced age there are additional risks that could make the procedure life-threatening.
We extend our thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Royal Family as they go through this difficult time, and hope that Prince Philip has a complete recovery.