Prince Philip makes first statement since leaving hospital as he arrives at Windsor Castle

The Duke of Edinburgh spent exactly a month in hospital

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh attends Sunday Service at St Peter and St Paul Church in West Newton on February 4, 2018 in King's Lynn, United Kingdom
(Image credit: Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)

Prince Philip has made his first public statement since leaving King Edward VII’s Hospital earlier this morning and arriving at Windsor Castle to reunite with the Queen.

Prince Philip has made his first statement upon his arrival at Windsor Castle after spending 28 nights in hospital. Having left King Edward VII’s Hospital earlier this morning in a BMW, the Duke of Edinburgh traveled to Windsor Castle where he had previously spent lockdown with the Queen. 

As reported by Metro.co.uk, Buckingham Palace has now stated that Prince Philip had returned “following treatment for an infection and a successful procedure for a pre-existing condition”. 

“His Royal Highness wishes to thank all the medical staff who looked after him at both King Edward VII’s Hospital and St Bartholomew’s Hospital, and everyone who has sent their good wishes” the statement reportedly continued.

How long was Prince Philip in hospital?

Prince Philip’s month-long stay in hospital is thought to the longest he’s experienced, having been first admitted to King Edward VII’s Hospital on February 16 as a “precautionary measure” after “feeling unwell”. He is said to have subsequently undergone a “successful procedure” for a “pre-existing heart condition” after being transferred to St Bartholomew’s. Prince Philip later returned to King Edward VII’s to recuperate. 

The Duke of Edinburgh was previously admitted to King Edward VII’s back in 2019 as a “precautionary measure” for treatment in relation to a “pre-existing condition”. Though at that time, the nature of this was not officially confirmed.

Prior to being admitted to hospital last month, Prince Philip had been spending lockdown with his wife of 73 years, the Queen, who was reportedly “distraught” over her husband’s “health setback”. It’s understood that the Queen was supported by her close family at this challenging time, including her granddaughter Princess Eugenie.

Just days before her grandfather was admitted to hospital, Eugenie gave birth to her first child. In a deeply personal Instagram post, she went on to reveal her baby son’s adorable name - August Philip Hawke Brooksbank.

It’s believed that Philip was chosen as a touching tribute to August’s great-grandfather and the Duke of Edinburgh will no doubt be looking forward to meeting him in the future.

Until then, he is likely delighted to be reunited with the Queen after so long apart.

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!