Prince Philip heart operation 'successful'

Prince Philip underwent a "successful procedure" for a pre-existing heart condition, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said Thursday.

The exact type of procedure, which took place Wednesday, has not yet been made public. 

The prince, who uses the title Duke of Edinburgh, was admitted to Edward VII's Hospital in London on February 16 for an unspecified, non-COVID infection. 

On Monday, Philip was transferred to specialized cardiac care hospital St. Bartholomew's for observation. 

"His royal highness will remain in hospital for treatment, rest and recuperation for a number of days," a statement from Buckingham Palace read.

Philip's current 16-night stay at the hospital is now his longest ever. 

Ongoing health issues

Philip retired from his royal duties in 2017 and now rarely appears in public. He has suffered from heart problems in the past.

In 2011, he was treated for a blocked coronary artery. He also received a hip replacement in 2018. 

Philip married the then-Princess Elizabeth in 1947; he is the longest-serving royal consort in British history.

wmr/msh (Reuters, dpa, AP)