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Prince Philip has been discharged from hospital after two nights of treatment for an infection, Buckingham Palace said.
The Duke of Edinburgh, 96, who was admitted to the King Edward VII hospital in London as a “precautionary measure,” left the facility shortly before 10 a.m. local time on Thursday.
In a simple statement, a palace spokesperson said: “I can confirm that The Duke of Edinburgh left hospital this morning.”
Palace officials said the royal was in “good spirits” throughout his brief stay but was disappointed to have missed two major events in the Queen’s calendar on Wednesday — the State Opening of Parliament and Royal Ascot.
In May, it was confirmed Queen Elizabeth II’s right-hand man was stepping down from his royal duties.
In a statement, the palace said: “His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has decided that he will no longer carry out public engagements from the autumn of this year. In taking this decision, The Duke has the full support of The Queen.”
“Prince Philip will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August, both individually and accompanying The Queen. Thereafter, The Duke will not be accepting new invitations for visits and engagements, although he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time.”
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“The Duke of Edinburgh is Patron, President or a member of over 780 organisations, with which he will continue to be associated, although he will no longer play an active role by attending engagements.”
“Her Majesty will continue to carry out a full programme of official engagements with the support of members of the Royal Family.”
This news marks a significant change for the British Royal Family and will no doubt see Prince Charles, 68, step up on behalf his father.
Just yesterday, the Queen was accompanied by her eldest son, the Prince of Wales, in place of her husband as she attended a “dressed down” State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday morning.
Her Majesty was joined by the Prince of Wales at the important event, rather than the Duke of Edinburgh.
Palace officials explained that the Duke was sorry to have missed the occasion.
The usually lavish affair operated with reduced ceremonial elements for the first time in over four decades.
Her Majesty’s husband was due to join her but was, of course, admitted to hospital on Tuesday night.
The event, which usually commands a great deal of pomp and finery, operated with reduced ceremonial elements for the first time in over four decades.
Her Majesty, 91, arrived to Parliament by car (rather than riding in the majestic Diamond Jubilee State Coach, as she does most years with husband Prince Philip), and chose to wear a floral day dress, brightly-hued coat and matching hat in place of the traditional Robe of the State and the Imperial State Crown.
The famously-heavy crown, which features a 317-carat diamond, was instead driven to the House of Lords chamber in its own car and carried into the ceremony by an officer of state. The Sword of State and Cap of Maintenance were also carried.
The Imperial State Crown, which features a 317-carat diamond, was carried into the ceremony by an officer of state and placed on a stand in front on the monarch.
Similarly, Charles sported dressed-down attire, swapping full naval garb for a simple morning coat.
The changes are reportedly due to timing, with the Trooping of the Colour having taken place just two days before the State Opening of Parliament. The proximity of the two major events, it’s claimed, left too little time for adequate rehearsal and preparation.
The recently called general election in the U.K. also played a part in the disruption.
Wishing the Duke a speedy recovery!
