Duchess Camilla Reveals Prince Philip's Health Is 'Slightly Improving' Amid Hospitalization, But He Still 'Hurts At Moments'
After spending more than two weeks in the hospital, Prince Philip's condition is "slightly improving," daughter-in-law Duchess Camilla revealed on March 2.
Camilla was visiting the Community Vaccination Centre at St Paul’s Church to thank volunteers and healthcare workers when she shared the encouraging news, though she did note that Philip "hurts at moments."
"We keep our fingers crossed," she added.
Buckingham Palace revealed on February 16 that Philip was admitted to King Edward VII's hospital as "a precautionary measure, on the advice of His Royal Highness's Doctor, after feeling unwell." At the time, he was expected to stay for just a few days.
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It was then revealed that the Duke was fighting an infection, but the Palace stated he was "comfortable and responding to treatment."
The royal family remained in good spirits amid his health woes, with Philip's son Prince Edward sharing that he spoke to his dad on the phone. "He's a lot better, thank you very much indeed," he said to the press. "He's looking forward to getting out, which is the most positive thing."
But on March 1, the Palace announced the Duke was being "transferred from King Edward VII's Hospital to St Bartholomew's Hospital where doctors will continue to treat him for an infection, as well as undertake testing and observation for a pre-existing heart condition."
Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla applauded healthcare workers last year in a sweet video.
The ordeal is taking a toll on Philip's wife, Queen Elizabeth II, who is unlikely to be able to visit her husband in the hospital due to COVID-19. "It's a lot to take on. But as usual, Elizabeth is handling the stress and sadness with great dignity," an insider said, adding that Prince William, Duchess Kate and the rest of the family have been "rallying around her."
In particular, her son Prince Charles has made "a real effort to step up," the insider added. "Elizabeth is the first to admit that he has been her pillar of strength."
Despite staying hopeful, the family is still preparing for the worst. A source exclusively told The Royal Observer that Prince Harry, who's living in California, "is being advised to fly home right now to say goodbye to his grandfather."
It was also reported that family wants Harry and wife Meghan Markle to delay the airing of their highly anticipated interview with Oprah Winfrey, which is scheduled for March 7.
"Anything could hijack this interview. Philip is ill. He is 99 and could die at any time. They were not to know he would get ill, but it could be seen to be the wrong time," Penny Junor, author of Prince Harry, Brother, Soldier, Son, told The Daily Beast. "But I doubt it is in their gift to postpone the interview. The control is in the hands of CBS and Oprah."
