Duke of Edinburgh leaves UK hospital following exploratory surgery

The Duke of Edinburgh, the husband of the current British monarch, today departed from the London Clinic, located in the centre of the British capital, after eleven days. Prince Philip, who is aged 92, was hospitalised on June 6 to be given exploratory surgery on his abdomen.

According to the BBC, it was thought the Prince would remain in hospital for two weeks. The abdominal surgery was pre-planned, Buckingham Palace previously reported, although the reasons why this surgery was arranged have not been publicised.

The Duke of Edinburgh missed numerous royal occasions while he was in the private building, including the Trooping the Colour on June 15 to celebrate the Queen's Official Birthday. As he was staying in the Clinic, over a thousand cards were sent to the Duke. Also, members of the British Royal Family, including Charles, Prince of Wales; Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex; Prince William, Duke of Cambridge; Prince Harry of Wales; and his wife, Elizabeth II, visited him.

A Buckingham Palace statement said the Duke was in "good condition and good spirits", adding that he would take a two month time period to recover. "The Duke has expressed his thanks and appreciation to medical staff at the London Clinic and the many members of the public who have sent good wishes", the statement added. ITV News Royal Correspondent Tim Ewart commented, "for a man of 92, who spent 11 nights in hospital, the Duke looked extraordinarily fit."