Saturday, 24 December 2011

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Prince William's grandfather Prince Philip has emergency heart operation

Queen's husband the Duke of Edinburgh recovering after op at 90

Prince Philip is always by the Queen's side

Kate Middleton's new grandfather-in-law Prince Philip has been airlifted to hospital for emergency heart surgery.

The 90-year-old Duke of Edinburgh was treated for a blocked coronary artery after suffering chest pains as the Royal Family gathered at Sandringham in Norfolk for Christmas.

He was flown to Papworth Hospital, near Cambridge, last night in a RAF Sea King helicopter - just like the one flown by grandson Prince William.

Prince Philip had a procedure called coronary stenting and, if there are no complications, may be discharged later today.

A statement from Buckingham Palace explains: ‘His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh was taken to Papworth Cardiothoracic Centre this evening from Sandringham House for precautionary tests after experiencing chest pain.

‘Following tests at Papworth the Duke of Edinburgh was found to have a blocked coronary artery which had caused his chest pains. This was treated successfully by the minimally invasive procedure of coronary stenting. Prince Philip will remain in hospital for observation for a short period.'

This morning the Queen, 85, arrived at Papworth to visit her husband.

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