Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, has been hospitalized.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the news on Wednesday morning that he was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in London Tuesday night “as a precautionary measure” to treat an infection “arising from a pre-existing condition.”
Prince Charles has been tapped to fill in for the Duke of Edinburgh at the State Opening of Parliament Wednesday, where he will join the Queen.
“Prince Philip is in good spirits and is disappointed to be missing the State Opening of Parliament and Royal Ascot,” Buckingham Palace said, adding, “Her Majesty is being kept informed and will attend Royal Ascot as planned this afternoon.”
During the speech, the Queen is expected to reveal the government agenda. This will be Charles’ third time attending the event with the Queen.
It was recently revealed that the 96-year-old was retiring from public appearances, with his final one scheduled for August.
A statement was released at the time by Queen Elizabeth II’s private secretary confirming the news.
Prince Philip “has decided that he will no longer carry out public engagements from the autumn of this year. In taking this decision, The Duke has the full support of The Queen.”
The Duke of Edinburgh “will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August, both individually and accompanying The Queen,” the statement continued.
“Thereafter, The Duke will not be accepting new invitations for visits and engagements, although he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time.”
“The Duke of Edinburgh is Patron, President or a member of over 780 organizations, with which he will continue to be associated, although he will no longer play an active role by attending engagements,” the statement continued.
“Her Majesty will continue to carry out a full program of official engagements with the support of members of the Royal Family.”
We wish Philip a speedy recovery.