Buckingham Palace issues statement about Prince Philip's health as he's rushed to hospital

Buckingham Palace has issued a statement about Prince Philip's health, as the royal is rushed to hospital in London.

• The Prince was in Norfolk, where he spends most of his time after retiring in 2017, but he's been rushed to hospital in London.
• Buckingham Palace issued a statement explaining that he's been taken in as a precautionary measure.
• This follows royal news that the Queen marked the State Opening of Parliament yesterday, days before the family are due to celebrate Christmas together at Sandringham.

The sad news was announced in a statement released Buckingham Palace, explaining the the Duke was taken to hospital in London due to a pre-existing condition.

The statement read, ‘The Duke of Edinburgh travelled from Norfolk this morning to the King Edward VII Hospital in London for observation and treatment in relation to a pre-existing condition. ‘The admission is a precautionary measure, on the advice of His Royal Highness’ Doctor.’

After his retirement in 2017, the Duke of Edinburgh now spends most of his time between Wood Farm cottage on the Sandringham Estate, and Windsor Castle.

Prince Philip's admission to King Edward VII Hospital comes just as the Queen travelled to Norkfolk to start her Christmas break.

The monarch had to remain in London until yesterday, when she marked Opening of Parliament.

Earlier today, Her Majesty left King's Cross on a train to King's Lynn, arriving just after 12.30pm.

She is expected to be joined by other members of the royal family, such as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children, as well as Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.

After the Christmas period, the Queen usually stays in Norfolk until February 6, when she marks the anniversary of her father King George VI's death, who passed away there in 1952.

It's not known how Prince Philip is expected to stay in hospital, but we hope he's able to join his family for the festivities.