LONDON: Britain’s Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, left hospital yesterday after five days of treatment for a bladder infection that sparked concerns for the 90-year-old’s health.
The prince shook hands with staff and smiled broadly as he walked out of King Edward VII Hospital in central London just in time to celebrate his 91st birthday on Sunday.
Asked if he was feeling better, the prince replied: “Well, I wouldn’t be coming out if I wasn’t.” Britain’s longest-serving consort was taken to the hospital on Monday with a bladder infection in the midst of huge celebrations for the queen’s diamond jubilee, less than six months after treatment for a blocked coronary artery.
Wearing a sports jacket and pink patterned tie, Prince Philip walked slowly from the hospital Saturday to be whisked away in a Land Rover.
He appeared fragile as he entered the vehicle, grimacing before recovering to smile and wave at well-wishers.
The prince was to travel to Windsor Castle near London, the BBC reported, and will mark his birthday privately. The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will fire a 41-gun salute in London’s Hyde Park Monday for the occasion.
But it was not yet known if the prince would be able to carry out his hectic schedule of royal engagements in the coming week, a spokesman said.
Using the prince’s formal title, the spokesman for Buckingham Palace said: “The Duke of Edinburgh was released from hospital this morning.
“He continues to make a good recovery and will continue his convalescence at home, and will be spending it privately.” His illness forced him to miss the final two days of celebrations for 86-year-old Queen Elizabeth’s 60 years on the throne, including a spectacular pop concert outside Buckingham Palace on Monday.
Crowds at the concert cheered and shouted “Philip! Philip!” after heir to the throne Prince Charles suggested, “If we shout loud enough, he might just hear us in hospital.” He also missed an appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on Monday, at which more crowds of revelers cheered the queen and fellow royals as the monarchy enjoys its highest popularity in decades.
Prince Philip had been at the Queen’s side for a huge jubilee river pageant last Sunday, traveling with her on a sumptuous red and gold royal barge down the Thames in London accompanied by a flotilla of 1,000 boats.
The couple’s granddaughter Princess Eugenie, 22, told Britain’s Sky news in an interview broadcast Saturday, “They are the most incredibly supportive couple to each other.”
