Duke '˜fine, but frustrated' to miss Orkney event

Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, who is married to the Princess Royal, described Philip as “fine” after the Duke had to pull out of the anniversary events following medical advice.

“He’s very frustrated and disappointed that he can’t be here and we’re all very sad that he won’t be with us,” he told Sky News.

“He’s fine. He just has a minor ailment and I think at his age it would be unwise to go and stand in a windswept cemetery for a long period at that stage. “

Philip, who turns 95 next week, is understood to have no plans to cancel any other forthcoming engagements, and has not attended hospital.

The setback comes just over a week away from a busy run of Royal festivities marking the Queen’s official 90th birthday when the Duke is due to join the Royal Family at a service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral, Trooping the Colour and a street party on The Mall.

Philip’s next publicised engagements are tomorrow.

During the Diamond Jubilee in 2012, the Duke was admitted to hospital the day after braving cold, wet and windy conditions on the royal barge during the River Pageant on the Thames.

He missed the Jubilee concert and a service at St Paul’s after being treated for a bladder infection.