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The Duke of Edinburgh has been reunited with Queen Elizabeth after leaving hospital following a month-long stay receiving treatment.
Prince Philip (99) is said to be in good spirits after spending 28 nights as an inpatient – his longest stay. He was initially receiving care for an infection then underwent heart surgery for a pre-existing condition.
Prince Charles said he was "thrilled" his father had left hospital – during a visit to a pop-up vaccination centre at Finsbury Park Mosque in London with the Duchess of Cornwall.
When asked if he had spoken to Philip yet, he replied: “Oh yes, I have spoken to him several times.”
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Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “The Duke of Edinburgh has today been discharged from King Edward VII’s Hospital and has returned to Windsor Castle, 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.”
Philip was pushed in a wheelchair to a waiting car when he left the private hospital in central London on Tuesday morning, after first being admitted on February 16th. The duke was partially obscured by a screen erected at the rear of the hospital but a man appeared to help him into the chauffeur-driven saloon.
Philip turned to look at the large media presence outside King Edward VII’s as the car pulled away, and he was driven to Windsor.
He was initially taken to King Edward VII's Hospital by car a month ago after feeling unwell at Windsor. But two weeks later was moved to St Bartholomew's Hospital in the City of London by ambulance where he had a successful procedure on a pre-existing heart condition on March 3rd, just three months before his 100th birthday.
A few days later he was transferred back to King Edward’s to recuperate and to continue his treatment. Throughout his time in hospital the royal family continued with their official duties.
Philip was “looking forward to getting out” and the family were keeping their “fingers crossed”. – PA