'I need to take it easy': John Howard emerges after emergency surgery for appendicitis - as it's revealed he was on his way to golf when he realised something was wrong
- Former Prime Minister John Howard was rushed to hospital on for surgery
- Former statesman suffered from appendicitis on Monday but is recovering
- The 81-year-old is the oldest living former prime minister in Australia
Former Prime Minister John Howard has broken his silence to insist he's 'fine' after undergoing emergency surgery.
The 81-year-old was rushed to Sydney's Royal North Shore Private Hospital suffering from appendicitis on Monday.
The former statesman, who is now recovering, said the surgery 'went well'.
'I am fine. I need to take it easy and rest up,' he told 7 News.
Former Prime Minister John Howard was rushed to hospital for surgery on Monday after suffering appendicitis. He is now 'recovering well'
He had planned to play golf on Monday when he suddenly began experiencing pain.
His GP advised him to get an ambulance to hospital. His wife Jeanette has gone to the hospital to be with him.
Mr Howard was prime minister from 1996 to 2007, which is the second longest term as national leader behind only Sir Robert Menzies who spent just over 18 years in office in separate two terms between 1939 and 1966.
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He is the oldest living former prime minister after the death of Labor leader Bob Hawke last year.
Five years ago the former Liberal Party leader was treated for blocked arteries at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney and had two stents inserted.
On his 80th birthday last year, he said: 'I feel the same as I did yesterday.
'I'm very happy to be alive and to have had the privilege of being born in Australia.'
Pictured: Sydney's Royal North Shore Private Hospital where the former Prime Minister is recovering
As Prime Minister, John Howard's most notable achievements include bringing in new gun laws after the Port Arthur massacre and introducing the nationwide value-added tax called the GST.
Mr Howard led the Liberal Party from 1985 to 1989 and again from 1995 to 2007, and is widely respected as the party's elder statesman.
Mr Howard led the Liberal-National coalition to victory in four consecutive elections before being defeated by Kevin Rudd's Labor Party in 2007.
Former prime minister John Howard pictured with wife Jeannette for the Coalition Campaign Launch in Sydney in 2016
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