Prince Philip leaves hospital after surgery

Queen Elizabeth II's husband Prince Philip walked out of hospital on Monday, 10 days after the 92-year-old underwent exploratory abdominal surgery. The Duke of Edinburgh, who went under the knife on June 7, smiled and waved as he left the private London Clinic in the centre of the British capital. He had been expected to remain in hospital for up to two weeks following the operation, and he plans to spend two months off duty recuperating. "The duke is in good condition and good spirits. He'll take a period of convalescence of approximately two months," a Buckingham Palace spokesman said. "The duke has expressed his thanks and appreciation to medical staff at the London Clinic and the many members of the public who have sent good wishes." Officials insist he is otherwise in robust health. Prince Philip is renowned for his no-fuss, "get on with it" attitude and is unlikely to take kindly to his enforced absence from duty. In recent days he has been asking for paperwork from his office. Wearing a double-breasted blazer and carrying a large hardback book, the duke joked with nurses as he left and shook hands with senior hospital staff on the doorstep. He then walked briskly to his waiting vehicle, getting into the passenger side unaided. He lowered the window to wave and smile at people waiting outside the hospital. He will initially spend time at Windsor Castle, west of London, where the queen -- an avid horse racing fan and a noted breeder -- is staying during the nearby Royal Ascot races week. Prince Philip was admitted to hospital on June 6, checking in after a Buckingham Palace garden party. He underwent planned surgery the following day. The palace has not said why he needed the operation, only that it followed abdominal investigations the week before. The analysis of the operation results was expected to be completed last week. He spent his 92nd birthday in hospital on June 10 and has had a string of visitors to see him, including the queen, their eldest son Prince Charles and his sons, Princes William and Harry. Prince Philip has received more than 1,000 cards from well-wishers during his time at the London Clinic, the palace said.