Prince Philip 'in good spirits' after surgery

Britain's Prince Philip was said to be “in good spirits” this morning as he recuperated in hospital after treatment for a blocked coronary artery.

Members of the British royal family will visit Philip at Papworth Hospital near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, after lunch today.

Buckingham Palace said: “The Duke remains in good spirits this morning.”

Philip, 90, spent a second night in hospital after the coronary stent procedure and is expected to remain under observation for a short period but no details have been given about when he will be discharged.

Today was thought to be the first time the Duke of Edinburgh has missed the Christmas morning service at Sandringham, the Queen’s private Norfolk estate, which has become an annual tradition for the Royal Family since the early 1990s.

The Queen is later today due to deliver her traditional Christmas broadcast.

This year, she talks about the importance of family in the message, which was recorded on December 9, two weeks before her husband was taken ill.

The festive weekend is also the Duchess of Cambridge’s first Christmas as a member of the Royal Family.

Philip was taken to the specialist heart hospital on Friday night after complaining of chest pains, and, following tests, a blocked artery was discovered by doctors.

He underwent a “minimally invasive procedure of coronary stenting”, which was declared a success.

This is the most serious health scare suffered by the Duke, who is known for being a robust and active 90-year-old.

Although it is not known how long he will be in hospital, medical experts have said that many patients can be discharged a day after undergoing the procedure, providing there are no complications.