Queen pays birthday visit to Duke of Edinburgh in hospital

The Duke of Edinburgh has spent a fifth night in hospital recovering from an exploratory operation on his abdomen.

The Queen marked her husband’s 92nd birthday with a visit to his bedside last night, as Buckingham Palace described him as “comfortable and in good spirits”.

He was also visited at the London Clinic by his son the Earl of Wessex separately.

The Duke is progressing according to plans following his operation on Friday and once out of hospital will spend two months convalescing, said the Palace.

In a short statement the Palace said: “His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh is progressing according to plans at this early stage. He is comfortable and in good spirits.

“He will remain in hospital for up to two weeks, and it is expected he will then be taking a period of convalescence of approximately two months.”

Edward has described the Duke as doing “well” after his visit.