Buckingham Palace has announced that Prince Philip has been admitted to hospital

‘Further updates will be issued when appropriate’

The Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to hospital today, with the royal family releasing a statement to break the news, explaining that the 96-year-old royal was undergoing surgery on Wednesday.

‘His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in London this afternoon, for planned surgery on his hip which will take place tomorrow,’ read a statement from Buckingham Palace. ‘Further updates will be issued when appropriate.’

The news comes amid public fears for the Duke of Edinburgh’s health, prompted by his absence at the Easter service at Windsor, with the Queen attending without her husband, accompanied by some of her grandchildren instead.

Those in attendance included the Princess Royal and Prince Andrew, as well as Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, Zara Tindall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly spending the weekend together alone.

With just over a month until Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding, with the fast-approaching nuptials taking place at Windsor Castle on May 19th, the Duke of Edinburgh has plenty of incentive for a speedy recovery - and everyone is hoping that the 96-year-old will be in good health for the festivities.

We hope he’s feeling better for the big day!