Prince Philip, 99, moved to St Bart's hospital for treatment for infection and heart condition & he’ll stay in this week

PRINCE Philip has today been transferred to a different hospital while he battles an infection and pre-existing heart condition.

The Duke of Edinburgh, 99, was taken to the King Edward VII hospital almost two weeks ago as a "precautionary measure".

Buckingham Palace said today he has now been moved to London's St Bartholomew's hospital until at least the end of the week.

The Duke will undergo testing for the heart condition at the hospital, which is one of the country’s leading specialist cardiac centres.

The Palace said: "The Duke of Edinburgh was today transferred from King Edward VII’s Hospital to St Bartholomew’s Hospital where doctors will continue to treat him for an infection, as well as undertake testing and observation for a pre-existing heart condition. 

"The Duke remains comfortable and is responding to treatment but is expected to remain in hospital until at least the end of the week."

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Philip was pictured leaving London's King Edward VII clinic in an ambulance this morning as police guarded his way.

A police van was used to protect the Duke from being photographed, while staff shielded his way with umbrellas.

Philip has so far spent a total of 13 nights being cared for by medics – his longest ever stay in hospital.

Buckingham Palace previously said the Duke, who is just three months away from his 100th birthday, walked into the hospital unaided and received medical attention for an infection.

What is St Bartholomew’s Hospital?

The hospital – run by St Bart's NHS Trust – was founded in 1123 in the city of London next to St Paul's Cathedral.

It is a leading specialist in cardiovascular health and has state-of-the-art treatments for a full range of heart conditions. 

The hospital's cardiovascular unit covers a population of around six million people.

It includes ten theatres, ten cath labs and more than 300 general, cardiac and critical care beds.

The NHS said the centre aspires to perform more heart surgery, MRI and CT scans than any other service in the world.

A specialist heart attack centre delivers dedicated emergency care 24 hours a day, with rapid access to a team with specialist expertise and equipment.

In January 2020 the service was rated number one for cardiac arrest survival rates in London, according to the NHS website.

The website says St Bartholomew's is Britain's oldest hospital, set to celebrate its 900th birthday in 2023.

The hospital is also renowned for its cancer care and fertility services.

St Bart's survived both the Great Fire of London and the Blitz and is now also a teaching hospital.

And in an update last Tuesday, the Palace said: "He is comfortable and responding to treatment but is not expected to leave hospital for several days."

The visit is Philip's longest stay in hospital since June 2013 when he had an exploratory operation on his abdomen. 

Earlier this week Prince Edward said he had spoken to his father on the phone, who was "looking forward to getting out".

He told Sky: "As far as I'm aware, well I did speak to them the other day, so he's a lot better thank you very much indeed, and he's looking forward to getting out, which is the most positive thing.

"So we keep our fingers crossed."

Asked whether Philip was frustrated to be in hospital, Edward laughed and replied: "Just a bit.

"I think that gets to all of us, and then, you can only watch the clock so many times and the walls are only so interesting."

The Earl of Wessex added: "We've had some brilliant and lovely messages from all sorts of people and we really appreciate that and so does he, I've been passing them on.

"It's fantastic, thank you."

Meanwhile, Prince Charles visited his father the weekend before last, looking sombre as he left.

It is understood Charles wanted to visit his father due to his extended stay.

And it is thought Charles had not seen his father since before Christmas because of the nationwide coronavirus restrictions.

Philip and the Queen stayed at Windsor Castle instead of hosting the usual family Christmas at Sandringham.

Timeline of Philip’s hospital stay

Tuesday February 16 2021 – The duke is admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital on a precautionary basis after feeling unwell.

He travels from Windsor Castle by car.

Philip is said to be in "good spirits" and walks into the private hospital unaided.

He is expected to stay for a few days.

Friday February 19 – Sources say Philip is now expected to remain in hospital for "observation and rest" over the weekend and into the next week.

Saturday February 20 – The Prince of Wales makes a 200 mile-round trip to see his father, spending around half an hour at the hospital.

Tuesday February 23 – Seven days after the duke was admitted, the Palace says he is being treated for an infection and is "comfortable and responding to treatment", but is not expected to leave hospital for several more days.

The Earl of Wessex says the duke is a "lot better" and looking forward to getting out.

Monday March 1 – Philip is transferred in an ambulance to St Bartholomew's Hospital for treatment for an infection and testing and observation for a pre-existing heart condition, Buckingham Palace says.

The duke is shielded from public view by large umbrellas as he leaves King Edward VII's Hospital.

The duke, who will turn 100 on June 10, was vaccinated against coronavirus last month and his infection is not Covid-related.

Two years ago, Prince Philip was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.

The royal was also involved in a car crash in January 2019 after being in collision with another vehicle near the Sandringham estate.

In April 2018 he had a hip replacement operation but had recovered well for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding a month later.

Philip has previously been described as the Queen's "constant strength" and has been known as the "protector" of the Royal Family.

He has been by the Queen's side for seven decades of marriage, becoming one of the hardest working royals.

From 1952 he attended 22,219 solo engagements and 637 overseas tours in a career marked by his famous gaffes.

He then retired from his public duties at the age of 96 in 2017 after 65 years of public life.

But despite retiring, the prince has remained active – sending a message to frontline workers at the outbreak of Covid thanking them for their work.

He also made a rare public appearance last year to pass on his role as Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles to Camilla Parker Bowles.

And Prince Harry very recently reportedly called the Queen about Prince Philip's health from his home in the US.

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