Thaindian News

LONDON, ENGLAND (BNO NEWS) — Queen Elizabeth II’s husband Prince Philip was taken to a hospital in London on Monday afternoon after developing a bladder infection, forcing him to miss the rest of the celebrations to mark the Queen’s diamond jubilee.

Buckingham Palace said the 90-year-old prince was taken from Windsor Castle to the private King Edward VII Hospital in London as a precautionary measure. “Prince Philip will remain in hospital under observation for a few days,” the palace said in a statement, adding that the bladder infection is being assessed and treated.

The health scare throws a shadow over celebrations for the Queen’s diamond jubilee. “[The prince] is, understandably, disappointed about missing this evening’s Diamond Jubilee Concert and tomorrow’s engagements,” the statement added. A palace spokesperson said the Queen will still go to the concert, which is being attended by some 12,000 people.

Prince Philip appeared to be in good health on Sunday when he accompanied the Queen on the royal barge which formed part of a flotilla on the River Thames. He and the Queen stood for most of the 80-minute journey which saw some 1,000 boats traveling 7 miles (11 kilometers) down the river.

In December 2011, Prince Philip was taken to Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire after experiencing chest pains. Following tests, he was found to have a blocked coronary artery and underwent a ‘minimally invasive’ procedure of coronary stenting. It was the most serious health scare yet for the prince, who is known to be active and robust for his age. He turns 91 on Sunday.