Prince Philip has been transferred to St Bartholomew’s for observation of ‘pre-existing heart condition’ and ‘infection’ treatment

Prince Philip was admitted to King Edward VII’s Hospital on February 16

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh during the transfer of the Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles at Windsor Castle on July 22, 2020 in Windsor, England
(Image credit: Photo by Samir Hussein/ Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty)

Prince Philip has been transferred from King Edward VII’s hospital to St. Bartholomew’s, Buckingham Palace confirms.

Prince Philip was admitted to hospital on Tuesday, February 16 as a “precautionary measure” after “feeling unwell”. The Duke of Edinburgh has remained at King Edward VII’s hospital ever since, though reports later claimed that he was “comfortable and responding to treatment”. He has since received a visit from his son Prince Charles and it’s been suggested by some that he has been a “pillar of strength” for the Queen who it’s claimed is “distraught” by her beloved husband’s “health setback”

Now, it’s been confirmed that the Duke of Edinburgh has been moved to another hospital for further treatment. As reported by The Mirror, a Buckingham Palace spokesman stated that: "The Duke of Edinburgh was today 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.

"The Duke remains comfortable and is responding to treatment but is expected to remain in hospital until at least the end of the week."

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh attend The OUT-SOURCING Inc Royal Windsor Cup 2018 polo match at Guards Polo Club on June 24, 2018 in Egham, England

(Image credit: Photo by Antony Jones/Getty Images)

Prince Philip’s illness is not thought to be Covid-19 related and his admission to hospital was not treated as an emergency. This announcement is the first time that a pre-existing health condition has been mentioned since the news of his admission was first confirmed. The Duke of Edinburgh was previously admitted to King Edward VII’s hospital back in 2019 as a “precautionary measure” for treatment in relation to a “pre-existing condition”, though the nature of this was not officially confirmed. 

While her beloved husband remains in hospital, the Queen has continued to carry out important royal duties. On Friday, she took part in a video call with health officials leading the deployment of the Covid-19 vaccine in the UK. She and the Duke of Edinburgh received their vaccinations at Windsor Castle in January.

The monarch told health officials the jab “didn’t hurt at all” before urging people to think of others “rather than themselves” during this challenging time. 

During this call, the Queen made a touching gesture to her husband as she wore their engagement brooch. The couple have been married for over seven decades and there are many signs that Prince Philip is “still as charmed” with his wife as ever

He will no doubt be very much in the Queen’s thoughts at this difficult time. 

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!