Prince Philip Is Being Treated For An Infection, 'Is Not Expected To Leave The Hospital For Several Days,' Palace Says
Feb. 25 2021, Updated 10:22 a.m. ET
Buckingham Palace finally revealed why Prince Philip has been in the hospital for the past week: the Duke of Edinburgh, 99, is being treated for an infection.
Queen Elizabeth II’s husband is “comfortable and responding to treatment but is not expected to leave [the] hospital for several days,” the palace said in a statement.
Prince Edward told Sky News that despite being under the weather, his father is on the mend.
"As far as I'm aware, well I did speak to him the other day, so he's a lot better thank you very much indeed, and he's looking forward to getting out, which is the most positive thing,” Edward said. "So we keep our fingers crossed."
When asked if Philip was frustrated with being in the hospital for quite some time, Edward added: "Just a bit! I think that gets to all of us, and then, you can only watch the clock so many times and the walls are only so interesting."
Despite Philip’s setback, Edward noted that they’ve had “some brilliant and lovely messages from all sorts of people and we really appreciate that and so does he,” adding that he’s been “passing them on" to his father.
Philip’s grandson Prince William also gave the public an update on how the royal was doing. "He's OK. They're keeping an eye on him,” he said on February 22.
Philip was admitted to King Edward VII’s Hospital last week as "a precautionary measure, on the advice of His Royal Highness’s Doctor, after feeling unwell. The Duke is expected to remain in hospital for a few days of observation and rest."
A few days later, royal correspondent Omid Scobie said Philip would continue to stay at the hospital for the time being.
"Following consultation with his doctor [Prince Philip] is likely to remain in [the] hospital for observation and rest over the weekend and into next week," he tweeted on February 19. "As we have said previously the doctor is acting with an abundance of caution. The Duke remains in good spirits."
