Prince Philip in good spirits' after hip surgery

Queen Elizabeth II's husband Prince Philip is "comfortable and in good spirits" after he underwent a planned hip replacement surgery in a London hospital today.

The 96-year-old Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in Marylebone yesterday for the procedure.

"His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has undergone a successful hip replacement operation and is progressing satisfactorily at this early stage, Buckingham Palace said.

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.

Some media reports in the UK indicated that the timing of Prince Philip's hip replacement surgery was in preparation for the activities that will be involved in the royal wedding ceremony.