Prince Philip has left hospital.

Prince Philip

Prince Philip

The Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in London on Tuesday evening (20.06.17) as a "precautionary measure" after an infection related to a "pre-existing condition" re-surfaced.

However, he has now left hospital and is thought to be returning to the Windsor residence by car so he can rest.

When Prince Philip was in hospital, he was in "good spirits".

A statement released by Buckingham Palace at the time said: "The Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in London last night, as a precautionary measure, for treatment of an infection arising from a pre-existing condition.

"Prince Philip is in good spirits and is disappointed to be missing the State Opening of Parliament and Royal Ascot."

The 96-year-old royal's illness meant he was unable to make the official opening that marks the new Parliament's session, but his son Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, accompanied the Queen in his place.

The statement added: "The Prince of Wales will accompany The Queen to the State Opening. Her Majesty is being kept informed and will attend Royal Ascot as planned this afternoon."

Prince Philip retired earlier this year but the palace insisted it was not health-related.

They said in a statement at the time: "His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has decided that he will no longer carry out public engagements from the autumn of this year. In taking this decision.

"Prince Philip will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August, both individually and accompanying The Queen. Thereafter, The Duke will not be accepting new invitations for visits and engagements. Although he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time."