<p>"His Royal Highness will remain in hospital for treatment, rest and recuperation for a number of days," they added.</p><p>Philip has now spent more than two weeks in hospital, his longest every stay, raising fears for his health because of his advanced age.</p><p>He will turn 100 on June 10.</p><p>The prince was first admitted to the private King Edward VII Hospital in central London on February 16.</p><p>Buckingham Palace said initially that he was expected to stay there for a "few days" after walking in unaided.</p><p>Later, the palace said that he was being treated for an infection, without specifying further.</p><p>But on Monday, he was taken to the state-run St Bartholomew's Hospital near St Paul's Cathedral for testing and observation of a "pre-existing heart condition".</p><p>The hospital, known as Barts, dates back to the 12th century and has a renowned cardiac unit.</p><p>Philip had a stent fitted in 2011 after suffering a blocked coronary artery, undergoing treatment at the specialist Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge.</p><p>His daughter-in-law Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, said Wednesday that Philip was "slightly improving," but "hurts at moments."</p><p>"We keep our fingers crossed," she added.</p><p>Camilla's husband -- Philip's eldest son and heir to the throne, Prince Charles -- visited him in hospital last month.</p><p>Philip's youngest son Prince Edward and grandson Prince William have both commented on his state of health.</p><p>Edward said his father -- a former naval officer -- was looking forward to being discharged.</p><p>William said he was in good hands and being closely monitored.</p><p>Queen Elizabeth II, who is 94, has herself continued her royal duties despite her husband's illness.</p><p>The couple have been married for more than 73 years.</p><p>Philip's illness comes as the royal family has come under fierce criticism from Prince Harry's wife Meghan Markle.</p><p>In a clip from an Oprah Winfrey interview to air Sunday, Meghan accused Buckingham Palace of "perpetuating falsehoods" about her and her husband.</p><p>This came after Buckingham Palace said it was looking into a report in The Times newspaper on allegations of bullying by Meghan against members of household staff.</p><p>© 2021 AFP</p>
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