Another Night in Hospital for Duke

THE Duke of Edinburgh was due to spend a third night in hospital last night while undergoing treatment for a chest infection.

Philip, 86, was seen by consultants at the King Edward VII Hospital in central London yesterday and a further medical assessment is likely today.

The Duke is said to have spent some of his time in the clinic catching up with correspondence.

And well-wishers – including actress Joanna Lumley – called by to deliver flowers.

Buckingham Palace said that the Duke’s engagements for Monday have not been cancelled, prompting speculation that he will be discharged today.

He is being treated by the Physician to the Queen, Harley Street doctor Professor John Cunningham.

Ms Lumley, star of Absolutely Fabulous, delivered a small bouquet of flowers to the hospital reception.

The Duke played a full role in the recent state visit by President Nicolas Sarkozy of France.

He was pictured smiling and laughing with the president’s new wife, Carla Bruni, but he was forced to pull out of a memorial service for Sir Edmund Hillary on Wednesday.

The Duke had been scheduled to attend a dinner for Macmillan Cancer Support at the Harte and Garter Hotel in Windsor on Friday night.

He did not have any engagements scheduled for yesterday or today.

Philip has generally enjoyed good health even into old age, with most of his ailments being sports related.

(c) 2008 Sunday Mercury; Birmingham (UK). Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.