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Prince Philip leaves hospital to spend Christmas with the Queen in Sandringham

The Duke of Edinburgh will be with his family this Christmas

duke of edinburgh leaves hospital
Sharnaz Shahid
Deputy Online Editor
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Prince Philip has been discharged from King Edward VII Hospital in London after he was admitted last Friday for observation and treatment in relation to a "pre-existing condition". Having spent four nights in hospital, the 98-year-old royal has joined the Queen and the royal family for annual festivities this Christmas in Sandringham. On Tuesday morning, Buckingham Palace said in a statement: "The Duke of Edinburgh has today left hospital after being discharged by his Doctor and is now back at Sandringham. His Royal Highness would like to thank everyone who sent their good wishes."

WATCH: Prince Philip flies into Sandringham for Christmas

The Queen, who has been married to the Duke for 72 years, left Buckingham Palace for Norfolk by train on Friday to begin her traditional festive break at her private Sandringham estate, where the Duke spends much of his time since retiring from public duties. She decided not to change her schedule as a result of her husband's hospital stay.

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On Monday, during a visit to flood-hit communities in South Yorkshire, Prince Charles was asked about his father's health by a reporter. "He's being looked after very well in hospital," the 71-year-old royal replied. "At the moment that's all we know." A member of the public also showed concern for the Duke, asking, "Sir, how is your father?" To which, Charles responded: "Alright. When you get to that age things don't work so well!"

prince philip hospital© Photo: Getty Images

Prince Philip pictured leaving hospital on Tuesday morning

Philip, who turned 98 in June, has generally enjoyed good health, appearing to recover well from a planned hip replacement operation in April 2018. In the past decade, he has been admitted to hospital for abdominal surgery, bladder infections and a blocked coronary artery. A Buckingham Palace statement on Friday said: "The Duke of Edinburgh travelled from Norfolk this morning to the King Edward VII Hospital in London for observation and treatment in relation to a pre-existing condition. The admission is a precautionary measure, on the advice of His Royal Highness’s doctor."

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prince philip car© Photo: Getty Images

The royal will join the Queen in Sandringham

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