Saturday will mark the Duke of Edinburgh’s longest ever stay in hospital after his eleventh night at the King Edward VII clinic in London. The Queen’s husband was admitted to the private London hospital on Tuesday evening last week as a “precautionary measure”.
Earlier this week, Buckingham Palace confirmed Prince Philip is “comfortable and responding to treatment” but is not expected to leave hospital for several days.
Royal sources told they did not expect another update from the Palace until after the weekend.
In 2013, Prince Philip spent 11 days in hospital after an operation on his abdomen.
But today will mark his longest ever stay as an inpatient.
Speaking to ITV’s This Morning, royal commentator Camilla Tominey said the Palace have tried to “dampen down any alarm”.
She added: “But obviously the Duke is 99 and so any hospital stay is going to be worrying.
“Equally I think it’s his longest stay in hospital outside of a scheduled operation.”
The Duke, who turns 100 in June, walked into hospital last week unaided and was in “good spirits” according to the Palace.
READ MORE: Queen pays tribute to Prince Philip as he spends 12th day in hospital
During a visit to a coronavirus vaccination centre in Norfolk, Prince William gave a reassuring wink when asked about his grandfather’s health.
He said: “Yes, he’s OK, they’re keeping an eye on him.”
Philip’s eldest son Prince Charles visited his father in hospital.
He spent about 30 minutes at the King Edward VII clinic last Saturday afternoon.
Speaking to Us Weekly, a source said Queen Elizabeth II is “leaning on her loved ones for support” while her husband is in hospital.
The source added: “It’s a lot to take on. But as usual, Elizabeth is handling the stress and sadness with great dignity.
“Prince William, Duchess Kate, Duchess Camilla and Prince Charles and Princess Beatrice are rallying around Elizabeth, even Princess Eugenie who has just given birth is checking in.”
The insider went on to explain how Prince Charles has especially helped Her Majesty while his father is in hospital.
They said: “Prince Charles, in particular, is making a real effort to step up.
“Elizabeth is the first to admit that he has been her pillar of strength.”
