Philip spends seventh night in hospital

The Duke of Edinburgh has spent a seventh night in hospital after the Duke of Cambridge said his grandfather was “OK”.

Philip was admitted to the King Edward VII’s Hospital in London last Tuesday evening as a precautionary measure after feeling unwell, and walked into the building unaided.

William was asked about the duke’s health when he visited a vaccination centre in Norfolk on Monday, and said “Yes, he’s OK, they’re keeping an eye on him”, and gave a wink.

Review of the Year 2020
The Duke of Edinburgh has been spending lockdown with the Queen at Windsor Castle (Steve Parsons/PA)

Philip is now into his eighth day at the private hospital.

The 99-year-old was initially due to spend a few days under medical care for “observation and rest” for an undisclosed reason, which is not coronavirus-related.

But on Friday sources told the PA news agency the duke – who turns 100 in June – was likely to remain in hospital into this week.

He received a visit from his eldest son, the Prince of Wales, on Saturday – a rare occurrence as the duke is known for his “no fuss” attitude.

Sources have told PA that Philip’s doctor is “acting with an abundance of caution”.

Duke of Edinburgh admitted to hospital
The Prince of Wales visited his father in hospital on Saturday afternoon (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Members of the royal family have continued with their duties since the duke was taken to hospital after telling his doctor he felt unwell.

The morning after Philip was admitted, Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall – who have received their Covid jabs – visited the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham to learn about vaccination trials.

Last Thursday, the Queen carried out her first official in-person event of the year, making one of her most senior aides a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in a ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Philip has been spending the latest lockdown with the Queen at Windsor and in January they both received Covid vaccinations.

The duke last had a spell in hospital in December 2019, when he was treated for a “pre-existing condition” and discharged on Christmas Eve after four nights.

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