LONDON (Reuters) – British Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth’s husband of 99, was taken to a hospital in central London on Monday for tests for a pre-existing heart condition and treatment for a condition. infection.
Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was admitted to King Edward VII Private Hospital in London two weeks ago for the treatment of an unspecified infection that is not related to COVID-19.
On Monday, Buckingham Palace said it had been moved to St Bartholomew Hospital, which is a center of excellence for heart care, for further treatment and observation.
“The Duke remains comfortable and responds to treatment, but is expected to remain in hospital at least until the end of the week,” the palace said in a statement.
Photographers and television crews at King Edward Hospital had previously seen a patient being transported to an ambulance, protected by staff with umbrellas and police to look at the media outside, although there was no confirmation that this was the prince.
Since he was admitted to hospital after feeling unwell on February 16, the duke has only been publicly visited by his son and heir to Prince Charles.
The 94-year-old queen has stayed at Windsor Castle in west London, where the couple have been staying during the coronavirus closure and last week continued to perform their official functions by video. She and Philip have received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
Philip of Greek descent, who turns 100 in June, has required hospital treatment several times in the last decade for the recurrence of a bladder infection. At Christmas 2011 he had an operation to clear a blocked artery in his heart after he was taken to hospital with chest pains.
Philip’s royal role has been highlighted since the beginning of Netflix’s drama “The Crown,” which has provided an account of his marriage, the legacy of the British throne prior to Elizabeth’s expectation, and her family life.
Philip, who has been alongside the queen during her 69-year reign, retired from public life in 2017.
Reports by Michael Holden; edited by Guy Faulconbridge and Timothy Heritage