Royal Watch News

Prince Philip mentioned during thanksgiving service

Jun 5, 2012, 12:01 GMT

Prince Philip

The Archbishop of Canterbury wished Britain's Prince Philip well during Queen Elizabeth's service of thanksgiving today (05.06.12).

The Duke of Edinburgh was taken to hospital yesterday (04.05.12) with a bladder infection and he still remains there so missed the service at London's St Paul's Cathedral, which was paying tribute to his wife's 60 years on the throne.

During the ceremony, the archbishop spoke about the prince and said everyone hoped he recovered soon.

He said: 'Our prayers and thoughts are very much with him this morning.'

The St Paul's service was followed by two receptions and a lunch at Westminster Hall. A carriage procession to Buckingham Palace will then take place with a balcony appearance by the queen and a fly-past.

As well as missing the service, Philip, 90, also missed the Diamond Jubilee concert last night, which was held outside Buckingham Palace.

At the end of last night's concert, Charles got the crowd to cheer for his father after he missed out.

He said: 'The only sad thing about this evening is that my father couldn't be with us because, unfortunately, he was taken ill but if we shout loud enough he might hear us in hospital.'

Philip - who underwent heart surgery in December - turns 91 on Sunday (10.06.12).