Prince Philip health fears

Prince Philip has had a secret heart condition for 15 years, the Standard can reveal today.

The Duke of Edinburgh, 86, suffered a bout of ill-health recently which caused concern among the royal family.

He recovered and has since insisted on carrying out a full programme of engagements, refusing to curtail his busy schedule.

But with Philip seen as the chief moderniser of the royal family, the health scare has focused attention on securing the long-term future of the monarchy.

Preparing William and Harry for their official roles is seen as a priority. One aide said: "Prince Philip in particular is acutely aware of the need to prepare for the future."

The Duke, who is patron of the British Heart Foundation, has to take medication regularly and his bodyguards and aides are on constant alert to take him to hospital instantly if he becomes dizzy or short of breath.

They have been "instructed" not to take "no for for an answer" and contact doctors immediately. One courtier said: "The Queen and the family have been concerned about the Duke in recent weeks. He was not feeling himself and given his age and his heart condition, it added to the worry."

Asked if he has been ordered to reduce his schedule, the aide said: "Who is going to tell him? To be blunt, the Duke is not somebody you tell what to do."

Earlier this month the Queen and Philip returned to London from Balmoral. He immediately began his official engagements with his usual vigour, carrying out eight engagements, including opening buildings and hosting receptions, lunches dinners and meetings.

Next month he flies with the Queen, Charles and Camilla for the Commonwealth heads of government conference in Uganda. The fact that Charles is accompanying his parents on such a high profile visit for the first time is seen as significant.

Before that Philip will accompany the Queen for a private visit to Malta - where they lived before she became Queen. They will also commemorate their diamond wedding anniversary at Westminster Abbey when the Queen will celebrate the longest marriage of a reigning monarch.

A senior official told the Standard: "The Duke of Edinburgh has lived with a heart condition for years for which he takes medication. Those who work close to him are informed of the symptoms and if he shows any sign of them he is to be taken straight to see a specialist."

"He has regular check ups but recently there has been some concern as he was feeling unwell. The concern is due, primarily, to his age."

In the past Philip has robustly denied ill-health. Three years ago when he suffered bruising to his face after slipping in the bath he told a journalist: "Do I look bloody ill."