SANDRINGHAM, England — A cheerful-looking Prince Philip was discharged from Papworth Hospital Tuesday following successful heart surgery and rejoined the Queen and other members of the royal family at Sandringham for their annual holiday break.
Queen Elizabeth II’s husband left the hospital in Cambridge, in eastern England, about 9:25am local time in a chauffeur-driven Range Rover, smiling and waving at waiting journalists.
He rejoined the royal family at Sandringham, the Queen’s private estate in Norfolk, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) away.
Philip was at Sandringham when he first suffered chest pains last Friday and then was flown by helicopter to the hospital, where he underwent surgery for a blocked coronary artery.
The 90-year-old Duke spent nearly four days at the hospital, marking the first time he missed Christmas with the Queen in their 64 years of marriage, according to The (London) Times.
He also missed the royal family’s Christmas celebrations and the annual Dec. 26 shoot, which he usually leads.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said, “On departure, Prince Philip thanked the staff at Papworth for the excellent care he has received during his stay. He is very much looking forward to rejoining his family.”
Following tests, doctors there discovered a blocked artery and he underwent a “minimally invasive procedure of coronary stenting” on Friday, which was declared a success, but he was kept in the hospital over the weekend.
The episode marked the most serious health scare to date for the Duke, who is known for being robust and active.
Philip’s most recent illness was an uncharacteristic cold in October that forced him to pull out of an overnight stay in Italy.
He just completed a busy 11-day official royal tour to Australia with the Queen, 85, that saw them visit Perth, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane.
To read more, go to Sky News.