LONDON (AFP) ― Britain’s Prince Philip has had a minor operation on his right hand, Buckingham Palace said Wednesday, after the 92-year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth II was seen wearing a bandage.
The elasticated bandage was clearly visible as the Duke of Edinburgh took a tour of the Margaret Pyke Center, a reproductive healthcare clinic in London.
“The duke has had a minor procedure carried out on his right hand,” a palace spokeswoman said.
“The procedure was performed at Buckingham Palace yesterday morning and the duke is wearing a bandage as protection. The duke’s engagements will continue as planned.”
Prince Philip is renowned for his no-fuss, “get on with it” attitude, plus his jovial remarks.
The procedure clearly had not affected the duke’s spirits, as he was on his regular wisecracking form when visiting the family planning center.
“At least you are all legitimate,” he quipped, as he met staff.
Prince Philip, a constant presence by his wife’s side throughout her six decades on the throne, has suffered a series of health scares in recent years.
Last year he had unspecified exploratory abdominal surgery which put him out of action for a few months. It was his fourth spell in hospital in two years.
However, aides insist he is generally in robust health for a man of his age.
He is expected to join Queen Elizabeth for a state visit to France from June 5 to 7 marking the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings.
