The Duke of Edinburgh has been transferred to another London hospital for treatment to an infection and to undergo heart tests, Buckingham Palace said on Monday. Prince Philip, 99, was admitted to the private King Edward VII's Hospital almost two weeks ago as a precautionary measure. He has now been moved to the National Health Service-operated St Bartholomew's Hospital. "The Duke remains comfortable and is responding to treatment, but is expected to remain in hospital until at least the end of the week," Buckingham Palace said. On Monday morning, a person was screened from sight by umbrellas as they got into an ambulance waiting outside the hospital. St Bartholomew’s Hospital, the UK's oldest, is close to St Paul’s Cathedral in the heart of London. Barts Heart Centre is Europe’s largest cardiovascular clinic. The Duke, who is three months away from his 100th birthday, was initially admitted to hospital for a few days as a precautionary measure, after he felt unwell. He has been treated for heart problems in the past, and in 2011 was rushed to hospital by helicopter from the royals' Sandringham estate, after chest pains. Philip was treated for a blocked coronary artery at Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire and had a stent implanted. His exact medical problem this time is not clear but it is not related to coronavirus. Philip and Queen Elizabeth, 94, received Covid-19 vaccinations last month. Prince Charles, the Duke's eldest son, visited his father the weekend after he was admitted. Two days later, Charles's son Prince William said his grandfather was "OK" and that doctors were "keeping an eye" on him. Prince Edward said the family had their “fingers crossed” for a full recovery. Elizabeth has continued her official duties throughout her husband's hospital stay. Last week, she urged people to take the Covid-19 vaccine. Philip has taken more of a back seat since he retired from public life in 2017.
