FILE - In this file photo dated Monday, Dec. 25, 2017, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, wait for their car following the traditional Christmas Day church service, at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England. Buckingham Palace said in a statement Tuesday April 3, 2018, that Queen Elizabeth's husband, Prince Philip, has been admitted to hospital for a previously scheduled hip surgery, that is expected to be carried out Wednesday. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, FILE)
The Associated Press
LONDON (AP) - The 96-year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth II is recovering after undergoing a successful hip replacement operation Wednesday, Buckingham Palace said.
The palace said Prince Philip is "progressing satisfactorily at this early stage and is likely to spend several days at King Edward VII Hospital in London.
He is said to be "comfortable and in good spirits."
Philip had suffered from hip pain in recent weeks. Before he went into the hospital on Tuesday, he missed a number of family events, including an Easter church service with the queen and other members of the royal family.
The British Orthopedic Association said Philip's surgery was necessary because he was suffering from osteoarthritis.
Ananda Nanu, the board's president, said hip replacement patients need strong pain relief after their operations. Most can be mobile 24 hours after surgery and increase their activity every day after that, he said.
"At the age of 96, there are slightly greater risks, but he will be looked after by an extremely skilled team," Nanu said of the prince.
Philip announced his retirement from royal duties in May although he still accompanies the queen on occasion. He has carried out some 22,000 solo royal engagements since Elizabeth became queen in 1952.
They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
Philip has suffered from heart disease and other ailments in recent years.
FILE - In this file photo dated Wednesday, July 12, 2017, Britain's Prince Philip sits in a carriage in London. Buckingham Palace said in a statement Tuesday April 3, 2018, that Queen Elizabeth's husband, Prince Philip, has been admitted to hospital for a previously scheduled hip surgery, that is expected to be carried out Wednesday. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, FILE)
The Associated Press
A police officer stands guard as a man approaches the entrance of King Edward VII Hospital in London, Wednesday, April 4, 2018. The elderly husband of Queen Elizabeth II is set to undergo hip surgery in a London hospital. Prince Philip, 96, has been suffering from hip pain in recent weeks. He has missed a number of family events including the Easter church service. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
The Associated Press
Police officers guard the entrance of King Edward VII Hospital in London, Wednesday, April 4, 2018. The elderly husband of Queen Elizabeth II is set to undergo hip surgery in a London hospital. Prince Philip, 96, has been suffering from hip pain in recent weeks. He has missed a number of family events including the Easter church service. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
The Associated Press