Prince Philip sent to hospital after ‘chest pains’

Prince Philip, who celebrated his 90th birthday in June, left the traditional family royal retreat at Sandringham in Norfolk.

With the marriage of Kate Middleton to Prince William this year it was anticipated to be a large gathering of the Royal Family this Christmas.

He has just celebrated his 64th wedding anniversary with the Queen earlier this year, and had just returned from an 11-day of Australia.

Commentators billed the long haul trip as the couple’s last to the continent because of their age, but the Palace dismissed speculation it was a “farewell” visit.

Papworth describes itself as the UK’s largest specialist cardiothoracic hospital and the country’s main heart and lung transplant centre.

A royal retreat

The royals are spending their traditional Christmas holiday at the Queen’s much-loved private home in Norfolk, which is set in 60 acres of gardens, offering the perfect sanctuary for the break.

The Duchess of Cambridge is spending her first Christmas as a member of the Royal Family.

On Christmas Day, Kate will join the Duke of Cambridge and other members of the family at the morning service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the royal estate.

The Duchess will undoubtedly be the centre of attention and a large media presence is expected when the Queen and her family walk to and from church, greeting well-wishers along the way.