Queen visits Prince Philip in hospital on 92nd birthday

The Queen leaves the London Clinic this evening. Credit: PA

The Queen visited the Duke of Edinburgh in hospital tonight as Buckingham Palace described him as "comfortable and in good spirits" following the exploratory operation on his abdomen.

Her arrival marked Philip's 92nd birthday, celebrated today, and he was also visited separately by his son the Earl of Wessex this afternoon.

The Duke is progressing according to plans following his operation on Friday and once out of hospital will spend two months convalescing, said the Palace.

A closeup of the envelope in the hands of the Queen appeared to show it addressed to "HRH The Duke of Edinburgh". Credit: PA

The Queen arrived shortly before 7pm at the London Clinic where her husband is being treated.

In a short statement the Palace said:

Edward described the Duke as doing "well" after his visit.

His visit lasted 20 minutes and as he left he was asked by the waiting press how his father was and replied: "Well, thank you".

Prince Edward leaves the London Clinic, where the Duke of Edinburgh is recuperating. Credit: PA

The Duke has already received the good wishes of the Prime Minister on his birthday and gun salutes have been fired across the UK to mark the milestone.

A Twitter account in the name of David Cameron sent a birthday message to Philip:

The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery fired a 41-gun royal salute at noon in Green Park and this was followed an hour later by a 62-round salvo by the Honourable Artillery Company at the Tower of London.

Specialist gunnery instructors from HMS Collingwood fire a 21 gun salute to mark the Duke of Edinburgh's 92nd birthday. Credit: PA