Prince Philip has now been in a London hospital for a little over a full week. He checked into the hospital – reportedly walking in unaided – last Monday evening after feeling poorly at Windsor Castle. Philip has had frequent trips to the hospital in recent years, but this is one of his longest stays. People thought it was curious – and sad – that Prince Charles visited his father in the hospital over the weekend, and it caused a flurry of social media speculation that Philip was close to passing over. Still, Prince William then confirmed that Philip was “okay” and they’re just keeping Phil in the hospital out of an abundance of caution. Now we know why: an infection.

The Duke of Edinburgh is being treated for an infection and is not expected to leave hospital for several days, Buckingham Palace has said. Prince Philip was admitted to London’s King Edward VII’s Hospital last Tuesday as a precaution after feeling unwell. The 99-year-old husband of the Queen is “comfortable and responding to treatment”, the palace said.

The Earl of Wessex said his father was feeling “a lot better” and appreciated “lovely messages” from the public. Prince Edward told Sky News: “He’s looking forward to getting out, which is the most positive thing, so we keep our fingers crossed.”

Both the duke and the Queen, 94, received Covid-19 vaccinations last month. Prince Philip’s admission to hospital was not related to coronavirus. The couple, who celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary last November, have been spending lockdown at Windsor Castle with a small household staff.

Prince Charles visited his father for around 30 minutes on Saturday afternoon. A Clarence House spokesman said Prince Charles returned to his Highgrove residence in Gloucestershire after the visit.

[From The BBC]

An infection explains the time spent in the hospital – they want to ensure that he’s responding to the antibiotics or whatever treatment they’re giving him. My mom has had to stay in the hospital for days just to receive an antibiotic IV for an infection. The danger of sepsis is very real, especially with older patients. But they say Phil is responding to treatment, so good for him. My guess is that it’s something like a 10-day antibiotic treatment. Hopefully this will be the end to all of that ghoulishness. And it’s not like Philip could have gotten an “infection” from the shock of hearing about Harry and Meghan’s Oprah interview.

Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, WENN.