Prince Philip 'in good spirits' after successful hip replacement operation

Prince Philip is to have surgery on his hip today, raising fears that he might miss Prince Harry's wedding day in May.

"He is progressing satisfactorily at this early stage", the statement reads.

The royal family member was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in London Tuesday afternoon for planned surgery on his hip, which took place Wednesday.

He is said to be "comfortable and in good spirits".

In August 2017, the Duke retired from 65 years of public service, more than five years after the Palace originally said he would gradually "wind down" his workload, though he remained keen to carry out many of his duties. A few days before, The Queen's husband also missed the Maundy Thursday service at St George's Chapel.

At a ceremony commemorating Britain's war dead last November, he appeared to be having trouble standing and leaned against a wall.

It is understood, however, that The Queen's husband will be operated on while he is under a general anaesthetic. At times blunt to the point of rudeness, Philip is Elizabeth's most important support.

Generally, Prince Philip has spent his life in good health.

Both the queen, 91, and Philip have suffered some health issues in recent years. He accompanied the queen on visits overseas as late as 2015.

Outspoken, irascible and intensely private, the former naval officer has been one of the most influential figures in the British royal family for decades.

They kept in touch during World War II when he served on battleships in the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean and they met on a number of occasions.

"He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years" the queen said in a golden wedding anniversary speech in 1997.