Prince Philip Plans to Attend the Royal Christmas in Sandringham

The Duke Of Edinburgh Opens New Facilities At The Richmond Adult Community College

(Image credit: WPA Pool)

published 21 December 2019

Prince Philip doesn't plan to let a little thing like being hospitalized get in the way of his holiday plans.

The 98-year-old royal caused a stir when he was admitted to a hospital in London Friday, but sources close to the palace insist there is no serious health scare.

"It was a planned admission. The Duke walked into the King Edward VII hospital unaided and the Queen went to Sandringham as planned," one aide told Vanity Fair. "It is hoped that the Duke will be discharged within a few days."

The Queen, who traveled to the family's Sandringham Estate Friday, is reportedly being kept up-to-date on her husband's condition. But, if he's released as soon as the family hopes, then the Duke of Edinburgh will be able to attend the royal family's annual Christmas celebration as usual.

There has been no indication so far that the hospitalization was anything but routine.

"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," Buckingham Palace said in a brief statement about the move. "The admission is a precautionary measure, on the advice of His Royal Highness’ Doctor."

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Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.