Britain's Prince Philip admitted to hospital for hip surgery

Queen Elizabeth II's husband Prince Philip, was today admitted to a London hospital for a planned hip surgery, Buckingham Palace said.

The Duke of Edinburgh will undergo the surgery at the King Edward VII Hospital in Marylebone tomorrow.

The 96-year-old, who retired from full-time royal duties last year, did not attend the traditional Easter service at Windsor Castle on Sunday and his absence has been linked to the hip problem.

"His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in London this afternoon, for planned surgery on his hip which will take place tomorrow. Further updates will be issued when appropriate," the palace said in a statement.

Prince Philip had announced his retirement in May 2017, after decades of supporting the Queen as well as attending events for his own charities and organisations. A month later he was admitted to the King Edward VII hospital as "a precautionary measure" following an infection arising from a pre-existing condition.

His final solo engagement was in August last year, when he reviewed a parade of Royal Marines outside Buckingham Palace in his capacity as Captain General of the corps. But he has since appeared several times at engagements alongside the 91-year-old monarch.

His surgery comes ahead of a busy time for the royal family, with Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, due to give birth to her third child some time this month, and the wedding of his grandson, Prince Harry, with Meghan Markle on May 19.