LONDON– Britain’s Prince Philip joined members of the royal family for a New Year’s Day church service on Sunday, in his first public appearance since undergoing heart surgery over Christmas.
The 90-year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth II walked the short distance to the church on the royal Sandringham estate in eastern England, while his wife arrived in a Bentley.
Wearing a camel coat and accompanied by his youngest son Prince Edward, the prince smiled at about 300 well-wishers gathered outside, who clapped at his arrival.
The Duke of Edinburgh, as Philip is officially known, was admitted to hospital on December 23 after complaining of chest pains.
Doctors diagnosed a blocked coronary artery and he underwent surgery to have a coronary stent fitted, before being released from hospital on December 27.
The health scare was the most serious yet for the prince, the longest serving royal consort in British history, and comes as the queen prepares to celebrate her diamond jubilee year marking 60 years on the throne.