Prince Philip, 99, spends his ninth day in the hospital with infection as he is expected to remain under observation for ‘several days’

Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip will today spend his ninth day in the hospital with an infection, his longest medical admission for at least a decade without a pre-planned operation, and is to remain there for several more days.

The 99-year-old royal was admitted to the King Edward VII hospital in London last week forobservation and rest’ after falling ill.

Providing an update on his condition, officials said Prince Philip was ‘comfortable and responding to treatment’.

The Duke’s stay at the hospital in Marylebone entered its ninth day today and he will remain in the exclusive private hospital amid continuing concerns for his health.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said in a statement:

‘The Duke of Edinburgh remains at King Edward VII’s Hospital where he is receiving medical attention for an infection. He is comfortable and responding to treatment but is not expected to leave hospital for several days.’

Edward, the Earl of Wessex,  revealed he had spoken to Philip on the phone.

He  told Sky News: ‘He’s a lot better and he’s looking forward to getting out, which is the most positive thing. So we keep our fingers crossed.’

Asked if the Duke was frustrated at being in hospital, Edward added: ‘Just a bit! I think that gets to all of us, and then, you can only watch the clock so many times and the walls are only so interesting.’

Edward also said thank you on behalf of the Royal Family for all the ‘brilliant and lovely messages’ which Philip ‘really appreciates’ and had been passed on.