The Duke of Edinburgh remains in an Aberdeen hospital “as a precaution” according to a Buckingham Palace spokeswoman after a recurrence of a bladder infection he had earlier in the summer.
Prince Philip was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary while staying with the Queen at her retreat at Balmoral, a spokeswoman said.
In a statement the palace said: “The Duke of Edinburgh has had a recurrence of the bladder infection that he had in the summer and has been admitted to hospital for investigation and treatment.
“His Royal Highness is likely to remain there for the next few days.”
The 91-year-old royal made the journey of almost 50 miles from the castle in the Cairngorms to the city hospital by road in an ambulance, the palace said.
Reports say the duke is undergoing tests and is not thought to be in a critical condition. Despite recent illnesses, the sprightly Duke has continued to make public appearances, notably at events held to mark the queen’s 60th year on the throne this year.
The hospital admission comes two and a half months after Prince Philip spent five nights in hospital with a bladder infection following the Diamond Jubilee pageant on the River Thames. He missed the Queen’s diamond jubilee concert.
He also underwent treatment for a blocked artery over Christmas in 2011, and spent four nights at Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire after being admitted with chest pains.
The duke, who is 91, announced on his 90th birthday he would be winding down the number of official engagements he undertakes. Prior to that, he suffered an uncharacteristic cold in October that forced him to pull out of an overnight stay in Italy.