Prince Philip has moved hospitals again after ‘successful’ heart procedure

Prince Philip has been moved to another hospital after having ‘successful’ heart surgery, as the palace gave an update on his condition.

Prince Philip has been moved to a lower care hospital in London, in a sign that his heart operation was a success.

The Duke of Edinburgh, 99, had been at St Bartholomew’s, a heart and cancer specialists hub near St Paul’s Cathedral.

He was moved back to King Edward VII’s Hospital in Marylebone, central London, on Friday morning local time.

Buckingham Palace confirmed the news in a statement.

“Following The Duke of Edinburgh’s successful procedure at St Bartholomew’s Hospital on Wednesday, His Royal Highness has been transferred to King Edward VII’s Hospital this morning,” a statement on Friday said.

“The Duke is expected to remain in hospital for continuing treatment for a number of days.”

The transfer comes as a bitter war continues over Meghan and Harry’s interview with Oprah, due to be aired in 63 countries – including in Australia on Monday (Sunday in the US).

Police officers outside St Bartholomew's Hospital, commonly known as St Barts, in central London where Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was transferred. Picture: AFP

Prince Philip, who excused himself from discussions about Megxit at the Sandringham summit in 2020, has been in hospital for almost three weeks.

There were concerns about the timing of the Oprah interview, given his age.

However, King Edward VII’s Hospital is a smaller hospital, indicating that he had improved.

“With just 56 beds, we offer truly personalised medical care that combines the world-leading expertise our patients demand with the impeccable standards of nursing care they deserve,” the hospital’s website says.

Prince Philip had a stent inserted into his heart in 2011.

He turns 100 on June 10.

It comes as Prince Philip underwent a successful heart operation in London, as his stay in hospital stretched into a 17th night.

After weeks of playing down his illness, Buckingham Palace revealed that the Duke of Edinburgh’s condition was more serious than previously thought.

Prince Philip had a stent inserted into an artery in his heart in 2011, which is a relatively minor operation.

However, the exact nature of the procedure this week was not revealed.

Prince Philip has undergone a successful heart procedure. Picture: Getty Images

“The Duke of Edinburgh yesterday underwent a successful procedure for a pre-existing heart condition at St Bartholomew’s Hospital,” a statement on Thursday said.

“His Royal Highness will remain in hospital for treatment, rest and recuperation for a number of days.”

St Bartholomew’s is a heart and cancer specialist hub, caring for some of the British capital’s most seriously ill patients.

Prince Philip’s daughter-in-law Camilla had earlier said that he was “slightly improving” during a visit to a COVID-19 vaccination centre in Croydon, south London.

A well-placed microphone picked up the duchess telling a member of the public he was “slightly improving” when asked about his condition on Wednesday local time.

And she added that Prince Philip “hurts at moments.”

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, has commented on the health of Prince Philip during her visit to a vaccination centre in London, England. Picture: Philip Hartley-WPA Pool/Getty Images

Echoing words last week from Prince Edward, the Queen’s youngest son, Camilla said: “We keep our fingers crossed.”

A heavy police presence has been set up outside the hospital, with London metropolitan police monitoring the street.

There has been a large media contingent, with more than a dozen TV cameras set up outside waiting for any news on the duke’s condition.

American outlets also have vans parked in nearby streets to send footage back to the United States.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall at Westminster Abbey. Picture: AFP Photo

The Queen, 94, has continued with her engagements this week and it was unlikely that she would visit her husband of 73 years in hospital.

Sources said that Her Majesty would be aware of the disruption her visit would cause and the extra security that would be needed.

The hospital has restricted patients because of the coronavirus outbreak, which has claimed more than 120,000 lives in the UK.

A sign out the front of the hospital points staff and patients towards different entrances to minimise contacts.

The streets around the hospital, near London’s financial and business district, remain deserted with most people still working from home.

Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was moved from one hospital to another for treatment. Picture: Kate Green/Getty Images

Prince Philip was moved from Marylebone’s King Edward VII Hospital on Monday to St Bartholomew’s.

His exit was covered by staff holding umbrellas, and a police van also attempted to block the view of cameras.

St Bartholomew’s is a public, or National Health Service, hospital but is considered the best in London for heart health.

The hospital’s website says that it was rated “outstanding” for surgery and critical care, however, exact details of the duke’s treatment have not been released.

Prince Charles left King Edward VII’s hospital in tears on the first weekend that his father was in care, sparking serious questions about the duke’s condition.

Prince Philip is due to turn 100 on June 10.

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Originally published as Prince Philip has moved hospitals again after ‘successful’ heart procedure