Happy Birthday Prince Philip!

There will be no birthday cake and gin o’clock for Prince Philip this year as he spends his 92nd birthday in the hospital. The Duke, who was admitted to the London Clinic last Thursday, underwent exploratory abdominal surgery on Friday and is said to be “progressing satisfactorily.”

The Duke of Edinburgh is expected to spend a fortnight in the hospital, causing him to miss key engagements in the annual royal diary, including his wife’s birthday celebration, Trooping the Colour, this Saturday.

Although Philip himself may not be celebrating this year, birthday rituals continue outside the hospital walls including the 62-gun salute from the Tower of London and a 41-gun salute in Green Park. As per tradition, the British flag flew high above government buildings nationwide.

Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted birthday wishes to Queen Elizabeth II’s consort as the rest of the nation continues to keep Prince Philip in their prayers as he recovers.

Richard Palmer, Royal Correspondent for the Daily Express, speculates visits from members of the family may occur today as they stayed away over the weekend allowing Prince Philip to recover from his operation.

Sending the happiest of birthday wishes to The Duke of Edinburgh and continuing to send well wishes for his recovery!

News Update: Prince Philip Admitted to Hospital

The Duke of Edinburgh has been admitted to the hospital today after missing a gala reception for the Royal National Institute of Blind People at St James’s Palace on Monday evening. Prince Philip attended the coronation service at Westminster Abbey the following day and was driven to the London Clinic via car after today’s garden party.

Buckingham Palace says:

“His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has been admitted to the London Clinic for an exploratory operation following abdominal investigations. He is expected to stay in hospital for up to two weeks.”

According to the BBC’s Peter Hunt, Prince Philip has been having “abdominal investigations”  unannounced at the London Clinic for the past week. HRH is scheduled to undergo an operation tomorrow while his wife, Queen Elizabeth II will go ahead with a planned visit to the BBC.

The 91-year-old duke, who turns 92-years-old this coming Monday, fell ill this time last year with a bladder infection. That hospital stay caused him to miss some of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. As he is scheduled to stay in the hospital for up to two weeks, it appears he will miss the annual Trooping the Colour next Saturday, June 15 and the Order of the Garter Service on June 17. Royal Ascot, another gold star in the royal diary and taking place June 18 – 22, will also fall during his recovery period.

Sending well wishes across the pond to one of my all time favorites. Thoughts and prayers are with The Duke of Edinburgh as well as Her Majesty.

Stay tuned for updates..

Happy 91st Birthday Prince Philip!

Happy Birthday Prince Philip!

Queen Elizabeth II’s other half turns 91 today, after spending most of the past week in the hospital. In true Duke of Edinburgh fashion, he left the hospital just in time for his birthday, looking sprightly and dapper as ever in a suit, waving and smiling to the waiting cameras. The Duke is said to be spending this special day in relaxing with family.

AFP/Getty Images

Just one week ago, the then 90-year-old royal was enjoying the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant alongside his family and from the looks of it, cracking a few jokes with his grandsons. Prince Philip – you are by far one of my favorite people around, and I know I speak for everyone when I say how happy I am you have recovered in time for your birthday. Here’s to many more years of smiles and good humor. Hopefully we see you in Nottingham this Wednesday!