Prince Philip has remained in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary today after he was diagnosed with bladder infection on Wednesday, when the Duke of Edinburgh felt unwell during his annual summer break at Balmoral.

On Wednesday, Prince Philip was taken 50 miles by land ambulance from the royals’ retreat at Balmoral to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. The Duke’s latest health scare came two and a half months after he spent five nights in hospital with a bladder infection in June following the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames.

At the time, the doctors had said the demanding event had not caused the infection, but the cold and wet conditions, combined with not drinking enough and infrequent visits to the lavatory while on the Royal Barge, could have contributed to his illness. While the Queen is being kept informed of his condition, it is not yet known if she will visit him.

The 91-year old Duke could not participate in some of the celebrations for his wife’s 60 years on the throne after he was admitted to the King Edward VII Hospital in central London the day after braving the elements on a barge for several hours.

This is apparently the third time Prince Philip, the longest-serving royal consort in British history, has been in hospital since just before Christmas. Philip also underwent a successful procedure to clear a blocked coronary artery last December and was in hospital for four nights over Christmas.

Before the heart scare he had been fit and apparently healthy, and led the active life of a man of younger years. Philip went to Balmoral after attending a number of Olympic events. He was at the Queen’s side during the Opening Ceremony on July 27 and the following day when they toured the Olympic Park.

Related:
Prince William installed as Knight of the Thistle
Public funding for Prince Charles rises by 11.8%