Inside the King Edward VII Hospital: Prince Philip, 99, returns for fourth time in four years to London's 'foremost private hospital' with 58 en-suite rooms, 'handpicked consultants' and has treated the Queen, the Queen mother and Kate Middleton

by · Mail Online
  • Duke of Edinburgh has been treated at the hospital before today - in June 2018, April 2018 & December 2019
  • Hospital only has 56 beds across its wards and was set up in 1899 as soldiers returned from Second Boer War
  • Kate treated for morning sickness in 2012 and Queen had keyhole surgery in 2003 to remove torn cartilage 
  • Charles had hernia operation in 2003 and Queen Mother had fishbone removed from her throat there in 1982

The Duke of Edinburgh will be in familiar surroundings at the exclusive King Edward VII Hospital in London today after being admitted there for the fourth time in four years.

The hospital, which is located on a quiet street in Marylebone and only has 56 beds across its wards, was set up in 1899 to treat former servicemen and the general public as soldiers returned from the Second Boer War. 

Prince Philip has had previous visits there in recent years - including for 11 days in April 2018 for a hip operation and for five days in December 2019 for a 'pre-existing condition' before being discharged on Christmas Eve. 

The Duke also stayed there for two nights in June 2017 after he was treated for an infection which forced him to miss a royal event. He was said then to be suffering from an infection triggered by a 'pre-existing condition'.  

Police stand guard outside the entrance to King Edward VII Hospital in London today after Prince Philip was admitted there
King Edward VII became the hospital's first patron in 1901 and it continues to be recognised by the Royal Family today
A police officer stands at the entrance of King Edward VII Hospital today where the Duke of Edinburgh is receiving treatment
The hospital, which is located on a quiet street in Marylebone, has one of London's only purpose-built hydrotherapy pools

Today, Buckingham Palace said he was admitted again on the advice of his doctor after feeling unwell, although royal officials said it was a 'precautionary measure', with the 99-year-old Duke understood to be in good spirits.

King Edward VII became the hospital's first patron in 1901 and it continues to be recognised by the Royal Family today - with its current patron being the Queen, and its president Prince Edward, Duke of Kent. 

The hospital in London's famous Harley Street medical district has been used by Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret, the Queen Mother, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cambridge.

Kate Middleton stayed there for three nights in 2012 after suffering from acute morning sickness while pregnant with Prince George, and she was pictured on the steps with husband Prince William after leaving. 

The exclusive hospital also prides itself on its food menu, saying its head chef Mark Heard 'runs an immaculate kitchen'
A nurse is pictured walking down a corridor at King Edward VII Hospital, which only has 56 beds across its wards
A nurse speaks to a patient in a publicity video for the hospital, which has treated members of the Royal Family over the years
Philip is pictured leaving King Edward VII Hospital  on Christmas Eve 2019 after being admitted over a 'pre-existing condition'

The Queen had keyhole surgery there in January 2003 to remove a torn cartilage from her right knee after walking on uneven ground during a visit to Newmarket, and was photographed walking with a stick as she left. 

Prince Charles had a hernia operation at the hospital in 2003, and the Duchess of Cornwall had a hysterectomy there in 2009. In 2001, Sophie, Countess of Wessex had surgery there for a potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy.  

The Queen Mother was also treated at King Edward VII Hospital, having a fishbone removed from her throat there in 1982, a cataract removed from her eye and two hip operations in the 1990s. 

In 2002, Princess Margaret suffered a stroke and died at the hospital at the age of 71.  

The Queen walks with a stick as she leaves King Edward VII Hospital in January  2003 after surgery to remove a torn cartilage
The Queen Mother waves as a nurse assists her down the steps of King Edward VII Hospital in February 1998 just over three weeks after undergoing emergency surgery to replace her left hip, after she fractured it in a fall at Sandringham in Norfolk
Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge leaves King Edward VII Hospital with her husband Prince William in December 2012 having spent four days there being treated for acute morning sickness
The Queen at the hospital in 1976, where she was visiting Princess Anne who was being treated following a riding accident

The hospital also prides itself on its food menu, saying its head chef Mark Heard 'runs an immaculate kitchen and our catering team maintains optimum standards in all aspects of food preparation'. 

Among the sample options on an dinner menu are slow roast sirloin beef served with mixed salad and horseradish sauce; or Asian tiger prawn salad with glass noodles served in a chilli ginger dressing.

Other options include low fat cottage cheese with mixed grapes, celery and mixed leaf salad; or slow braised lamb shepherd's pie with caramelised onions and a redcurrant jus.

Guests can also choose from griddled sea bass fillet served on braised green lentil, lemon and fresh herbs; or red onion, beetroot and feta cheese tart served with rocket leaf mixed salad. 

The Duke of Edinburgh leaves King Edward VII Hospital after spending 11 days in April 2018 for a hip operation
The Duke of Edinburgh waves as he leaves King Edward VII Hospital after developing a heavy cold in April 2008

The hospital's website states that staff 'offer truly personalised medical care that combines the world-leading expertise our patients demand with the impeccable standards of nursing care they deserve'.

It adds that its 'compassionate culture creates a peaceful, private and supportive environment' and it provides the 'highest levels of subsidised care to veterans of the Armed Forces'.

The history of King Edward VII Hospital dates back to 1899 when sisters Agnes and Fanny Keyser devoted themselves at 17 Grosvenor Crescent to caring for sick and wounded officers returning from the Second Boer War.

Their home continued to be a hospital for officers following the war - and its website states that it 'still remains the hospital of choice for anyone seeking the best private medical treatment in London'.