LONDON (AP) — Prince William said Monday that his grandfather, Prince Philip, is “OK” as the 99-year-old royal consort remains in a London hospital for rest and observation.
William was asked about Philip when he visited a coronavirus vaccination center in eastern England.
“Yes, he’s OK, they’re keeping an eye on him,” William said, and gave a wink.
Philip was admitted to the private King Edward VII’s Hospital in London on Tuesday after falling ill. Buckingham Palace said the husband of Queen Elizabeth II was expected to remain in the hospital into this week for a period of “observation and rest.”
Britain’s Prince William, center, speaks to staff and volunteers during his visit to the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange Vaccination Centre in King’s Lynn, Monday Feb. 22, 2021. (Arthur Edwards/Pool via AP) 
Britain’s Prince William, center, speaks to staff and volunteers during his visit to the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange Vaccination Centre in King’s Lynn, Monday Feb. 22, 2021. (Arthur Edwards/Pool via AP) 
Britain’s Prince William, center, speaks to staff and volunteers during his visit to the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange Vaccination Centre in King’s Lynn, Monday Feb. 22, 2021. (Arthur Edwards/Pool via AP) 
Police stand guard outside the King Edward VII hospital In London, Monday, Feb. 22, 2021, where Britain’s Prince Philip is being treated. Prince Philip, 99, was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday on the advice of his doctor in what Buckingham Palace described as “a precautionary measure.” (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) 
A member of the public wearing a Union Flag themed hat walks past the side entrance of the King Edward VII Hospital in London, Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021. Buckingham Palace said the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, 99-year-old Prince Philip was admitted to the private King Edward VII Hospital on Tuesday evening after feeling unwell. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) 
Police stand guard outside the King Edward VII hospital In London, Monday, Feb. 22, 2021, where Britain’s Prince Philip is being treated. Prince Philip, 99, was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday on the advice of his doctor in what Buckingham Palace described as “a precautionary measure.” (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) 
A police officer stands guard outside the King Edward VII hospital In London, Monday, Feb. 22, 2021, where Britain’s Prince Philip is being treated. Prince Philip, 99, was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday on the advice of his doctor in what Buckingham Palace described as “a precautionary measure.” (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) 
Police stand guard outside the King Edward VII hospital In London, Monday, Feb. 22, 2021, where Britain’s Prince Philip is being treated. Prince Philip, 99, was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday on the advice of his doctor in what Buckingham Palace described as “a precautionary measure.” (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Philip’s illness is not believed to be related to COVID-19. Both he and the queen, 94, received a first dose of a vaccine against the coronavirus in early January.
Philip, who retired from public duties in 2017, rarely appears in public. During England’s current coronavirus lockdown, Philip, also known as the Duke of Edinburgh, has been staying at Windsor Castle, west of London, with the queen.
Philip married the then-Princess Elizabeth in 1947 and is the longest-serving royal consort in British history. He and the queen have four children, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
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