World

Prince Philip admitted to hospital

Queen Elizabeth's husband Prince Philip has been admitted to a hospital for treatment of an infection related to a pre-existing condition, Buckingham Palace says.

Buckingham Palace says Philip is being treated for infection at a London hospital as a precaution

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip attend Trooping the Colour in London, England, on Saturday. Philip was admitted to hospital on Tuesday as a precautionary measure, Buckingham Palace said on Wednesday. (Peter Nicholls/Reuters)

Prince Philip has been admitted to a hospital for treatment of an infection, Buckingham Palace said on Wednesday. 

Philip, Queen Elizabeth's husband, was admitted as a precautionary measure and is in good spirits, the palace said.

Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, is 96 and recently said he was cutting down his public appearances and would not take on new charity roles.

Philip announced in May his decision to reduce his commitments.

He suffered a blocked coronary artery and a severe bladder infection in recent years but has been in generally good health. He still attends summer garden parties with the Queen, hosting more than 2,000 guests at a time.

The palace said the infection that required hospitalization relates to a pre-existing condition.

His hospitalization meant Philip was unable to attend the Queen's speech at Wednesday's ceremonial opening of Parliament, where Elizabeth outlined the government's legislative agenda. Prince Charles attended in Philip's place.

The palace said Philip was admitted Tuesday night to King Edward VII Hospital in London.

He seemed fine Tuesday when he attended the horse races at Royal Ascot with the Queen and other senior members of the Royal Family.

The Queen plans to attend the Royal Ascot on Wednesday afternoon, the palace said. She usually attends each session of the annual event.

The Queen and Philip both suffered from severe cases of the flu at Christmas but recovered.