The heartbreaking reason why the Queen didn't visit Prince Philip in hospital

A royal expert has revealed the likely reason the Queen did not visit Prince Philip when he was hospital, days before Christmas.

Prince Philip spent a few days in hospital to be treated for a pre-existing condition, but luckily the royal managed to return to Sandringham before Christmas Day.
The Queen didn't visit her husband while he was in hospital, and now a royal expert has revealed the likely reason why.
This follows royal news that the Duchess of Cornwall was given a very special honour in Prince Philip's absence.

The royal Christmas break didn't start the best way for the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, who was admitted to hospital in London on Friday, just as the Queen travelled in the opposite direction.

And after spotting 'horrid' comments on why the Queen chose not to visit her husband in hospital, royal expert Victoria Arbiter has revealed the likely reason why.

Writing on Twitter, she said, 'After seeing some pretty horrid comments about the Queen being at Sandringham while Philip is in hospital I’d like to TRY to add a little perspective. Generally royals don’t visit each other in hospital. There are always exceptions but sensible thinking is at the core not a lack of sensitivity.

'Were the Queen to visit him the security requirements alone would be incredibly disruptive. Conscious of other patients undergoing treatment they don’t want to cause undue stress for them or their families. Not only are they very private when it comes to medical issues they also want to avoid further speculation.

'Philip of all of the royals abhors any kind of fuss and he would want the Queen to continue as normal for the rest of the family - children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren etc. Yes, they have visited on other occasions but it’s not the norm and it’s all about the regular members of the public that would be affected.

'That to me suggests an awareness and lack of selfishness as opposed to the ugliness that’s being touted. Every royal decision is made because it’s “sensible”. Nothing more nothing less. Philip is pretty set in his ways and the Queen above anyone will be keen to respect his wishes.

'I hope royal watching proves to be a little less contentious on 2020. They’re not horrible people but rather a family whose every move is analyzed and criticized. Perhaps a little empathy would be nicer than throwing stones...especially at Christmastime.'

After a few days in hospital, the Duke travelled back to Norfolk on Christmas Eve to be with his family.

Mariana is the managing editor of woman&home. She has previously worked for lifestyle titles including GoodtoKnow covering all aspects of women’s lifestyle - from the Royal Family, beauty and fashion to wellness and travel. She was nominated for AOP Digital Journalist of the Year in 2020, and for New Digital Talent of the Year at the 2016 PPA Digital Awards. She’s mildly obsessed with TV (reality TV shows included) and spends far too much time planning her next trip away.