PRINCE Philip will stay in hospital into next week as he rests up after falling ill, it was confirmed today.
The Duke of Edinburgh, 99, has so far spent three nights in London’s King Edward VII Hospital.
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He has been told he needs to stay in bed for “rest and observation” after was taken ill at Windsor Castle earlier this week.
A royal source said: “Following consultation with his doctor The Duke of Edinburgh is likely to remain in hospital for observation and rest over the weekend and into next week.
“As we have said previously the doctor is acting with an abundance of caution. The Duke remains in good spirits.”
The news was revealed after a busy week for the royals which saw Prince Harry and Meghan Markle confirm they would not be returning.
Philip was taken to hospital on Tuesday with initial reports saying he was expected to remain there for several more days – including over the weekend.
It comes as…
- The Sussexes confirmed they were officially quitting in a statement but insisted “service is universal”
- The 36-year-old prince won’t be able to wear his military uniform after losing his honorary titles
- Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced they were expecting another baby – making son Archie a big brother
- Harry is said to be isolating in LA so he is able to return to the UK after the Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to hospital
But under strict Covid-19 rules Philip has faced a lonely stay in his private room as visitors are banned.
The Queen and other royals would only be allowed inside during “exceptional circumstances”.
Her Majesty, 94, and her husband have been protected from Covid-19 for a year by a group of loyal staff dubbed HMS Bubble.
A source said: “Everyone loves a visitor when they are feeling low in hospital but the Duke will be extremely stoic about it.
“He knows the nation is sending their thoughts and prayers. The Duke has been in HMS Bubble for almost a year so he is used to all kinds of restrictions.
“He has barely been able to see his family for the past year. He knows only too well people have been going through worse than him.”
PRECAUTIONARY STAY
Prince Philip has been treated at the same London hospital for several ailments in previous years.
It is understood he had felt unwell for several days before royal doctors ordered him to hospital as a “precautionary measure”.
He was driven 26 miles from Windsor Castle in a private car and walked into the hospital unaided.
The King Edward VII follows national health guidelines on Covid-19. Patients are not allowed visitors or friends to accompany them.
Yesterday, a spokesman said: “Visitors are not allowed apart from exceptional circumstances.”
Philip had his virus jab six weeks ago and his admission is not as a result of Covid.
All patients are tested for the virus before being admitted and in their rooms.
The Duke is used to being surrounded by restrictions after almost a year moving between Windsor Castle, Balmoral and Sandringham with just a small staff.
