Queen’s fears as Prince Philip, 96, goes under knife for ‘risky’ operation today

The Duke of Edinburgh’s grand old age of 96 is likely to present a greater risk when he goes under general anaesthetic for a hip operation after missing three public appearances in just 10 days.

However, despite a greater risk of rare complications from general anaesthetic, including long-term memory loss, it is thought doctors believed the benefits of surgery would outweigh the risks.

Hip operations can present problems such as blood clots, infection and injuries to surrounding nerves.

But the duke is said to be fit and healthy despite his advancing age, with one courtier describing him as the “Iron Duke”.

Last night he was admitted to the private King Edward VII Hospital in central London for what Buckingham Palace described as a “planned admittance”.

Scarlett McNally, an orthopaedic surgeon and council member of the Royal College of Surgeons, said: “At this stage we do not know what type of hip operation the Duke of Edinburgh is due to undergo.

“All operations may have complications and some patients are at greater risk. A person's fitness is more important than their chronological age.

“Surgeons will always take account of these risks in helping patients decide whether they wish to proceed with surgery."

The duke is said to have been suffering with problems with his hip for months before heading in for surgery today. 

He missed three events in 10 days over the Easter period due to his hip. 

Ms McNally added: “Hip surgery is very effective at relieving pain and improving mobility, including in older patients.

“A whole team is involved including anaesthetists and physiotherapists. Performing it on higher risk patients still provides great benefit for the majority."

Prince Philip missed the Maundy Money service on Thursday - where the Queen distributes coins to members of the public - and he also could not be present for Prince Andrew’s introduction to the role of Colonel of the Grenadier Guards the week before.

And on Easter Sunday, the Queen attended her annual church service alone - leaving Philip at home.

A courtier said: “The Duke of Edinburgh has an issue with his hip which is affecting his mobility.

"There’s no cause for alarm but frankly he’s a proud man and doesn’t want to appear crocked in public.

“He’s not called the Iron Duke for nothing.”