Prince Philip Leaves Hospital

British royal Prince Philip has been discharged from hospital after spending Christmas (11) under the care of doctors.

The Duke of Edinburgh, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, was airlifted by helicopter to Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire, England on Friday night (23Dec11) after suffering chest pains at the royal family's Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

He underwent heart surgery to clear a blocked coronary artery and spent four nights in hospital, missing Christmas Day and his traditional Boxing Day pheasant shoot on Monday (26Dec11).

The 90 year old was finally allowed to leave the hospital on Tuesday (27Dec11) and he waved to well-wishers gathered outside the medical facility as he departed.

The prince has now returned to Sandringham to rejoin his family.

A statement from Buckingham Palace reads, "His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was discharged from Papworth Hospital this morning. He is returning to Sandringham by car.

On departure, Prince Philip thanked the staff at Papworth for the excellent care he has received during his stay. He is very much looking forward to rejoining his family".