Duke of Edinburgh applauded by wellwishers at Sandringham after spending Christmas in hospital due to heart scare
Showing every indication of recuperating well, the Duke of Edinburgh maintained tradition by striding out at the head of the royal party as they walked to church for a New Year's Day service.
Prince Philip, at 90 the oldest and longest-serving consort to a British monarch, made his first official public appearance after spending four nights in Papworth hospital, Cambridgeshire, over Christmas. The Duke underwent a "minimally invasive procedure" to fit a coronary stent to free a blocked artery.
He was applauded by around 300 royal fans and wellwishers gathered outside St Mary Magdalene church, Sandringham, as he made the 400-metre walk from Sandringham House, eschewing the Bentley that took the Queen to Sunday's 11am service, which was relayed to those outside via a public address system.
Walking alongside the Earl of Wessex, Philip was given three cheers by the crowd. "I thought he looked very well," said one fan. "People were clapping him and someone broke into three cheers."
Another said they thought he might have arrived by car with the Queen. "As we stood there we could hear people saying 'He's walking, he's walking.' I think everyone here was really pleased to see him".
The Duke had missed Christmas Day at Sandringham, and the traditional Boxing Day shoot, which he normally leads. There were fears his condition – the most serious health scare he has suffered – could prevent him from attending the service. But, with characteristic indefatigability and wrapped in a green overcoat, he strode briskly to the church, stopping to talk to wellwishers.
He was the first to leave the church, exchanging a few short new year greetings with the public before walking back to the house alone ahead of the royal party, leaving the Queen to collect flowers from about 40 children.
The Queen gave a reading during the 45-minute service, which was followed by hymns and prayers played over a public address system to those outside.
