England’s Prince Philip was taken to the hospital in London late Tuesday night for treatment of an infection.
A spokesperson from Buckingham Palace issued a statement saying, “The Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in London last night as a precautionary measure for treatment of an infection arising from a pre-existing condition.
“Prince Philip is in good spirits and is disappointed to be missing the State Opening of Parliament and Royal Ascot.
He and Queen Elizabeth are to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary this year.
The Prince, age 96, announced last month that he would retire from public duties this coming autumn. He appeared to be in good spirits on Tuesday while attending the first day of Royal Ascot with the Queen, Prince Charles, Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge – Princess Kate – according to the British Daily Express.
Queen Elizabeth carried on with her Constitutional duties, attending the Ascot to deliver a speech as planned Wednesday accompanied instead by Prince Charles. She wore a day ensemble and hat, rather than her royal attire. The royal crown was brought to the event in a separate vehicle, with a separate royal guard.
The Prince is a Patron, President or member of more than 780 organizations with which he will reportedly continue to be associated after his retirement, although he will no longer play an active role, according to the Palace. Nevertheless, although he won’t be accepting new invitations for “visits and engagements,” he may still “choose to attend certain public events from time to time,” according to a prior statement from the Palace.
The Queen is continuing to carry out her full program of official engagements, according to the statement, with support from other members of the royal family.