Pat Dollard

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The Telegraph:

Buckingham Palace said in a short statement: “Following tests at Papworth Cardiothoracic Hospital in Cambridge this evening the Duke of Edinburgh was found to have a blocked coronary artery which caused his chest pains.

“This was treated successfully by the minimally invasive procedure of coronary stenting. Prince Philip will remain in hospital under observation for a short period.”

The Duke was taken to hospital from Sandringham, in Norfolk, where the Royal Family traditionally spends its Christmas break.

It is the latest health problem to face the 90-year-old Duke, who in 2008 was treated for a serious chest infection.

On that occasion he stayed at the private King Edward VII’s Hospital in London.

It comes as the Royal Family prepares to mark its first Christmas with the Duchess of Cambridge since the royal wedding earlier this year.

The Queen travelled to Sandringham earlier this week by train for the traditional annual gathering of the royals.

The last members of the Royal Family will usually have arrived at the residence by the end of Christmas Eve, later observing the German ritual of opening their presents ahead of Christmas Day, as Victoria and Prince Albert did.

Some time after 10pm, on a signal from the Queen, the corgis would be led out and the ladies – Kate, Zara, the Princess Royal and others – adjourn, leaving the Duke of Edinburgh to serve port or brandy to the Prince of Wales, Prince William, Prince Harry and the rest of the royal men.

Dickie Arbiter, a former press secretary to the Queen, said: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s health is actually pretty good given that he is 90.”

Mr Arbiter, who is Sky’s royal commentator, told the broadcaster: “He has had these chest pains before and I don’t think it’s anything untoward, but given his age they are being safe rather than sorry.

“I am sure we are going to see him on Christmas Day and he can look forward to accompanying the Queen in the new year.”

Philip traditionally organises the Boxing Day shoot at Sandringham.

Earlier this year, as his 90th birthday approached, Prince Philip joked that “bits are beginning to drop off the ancient frame”. He has already had to cut back on his duties because of his age.

In a letter to the Oldie magazine’s annual awards, he wrote: “I much appreciate your invitation to receive an ‘Oldie of the Year Award’.”

“There is nothing like it for morale to be reminded that the years are passing – ever more quickly – and that bits are beginning to drop off the ancient frame. But it is nice to be remembered at all.”

He continued: “I regret not being able to receive the award in person, but I will not be conveniently in reach of London at the time. I hope the party will be a great success.”

The Duke is an incredibly active man who has enjoyed good health well into his later years. He carries out 400 engagements a year, making him one of the hardest-working members of the Royal Family.

As he entered his seventies, one of the Queen’s former physicians described him as “astonishingly fit for a man of his age”.

Even as an octogenarian he continued to compete in demanding carriage driving competitions.

Most of his ailments have been sports-related, including the arthritis he suffers in his right wrist from playing polo.

The Queen and the Duke are gearing up for a busy round of engagements next year to mark the Diamond Jubilee.