Britain's Prince Philip sits in a train on a journey marking the 175th anniversary of the first train journey by a British monarch, recreating the historic journey made by Queen Victoria on 13th June 1842, from Slough to London Paddington, Britain June 13, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

The Duke of Edinburgh, husband to Queen Elizabeth, was admitted to hospital last night “as a precautionary measure” as th monarch prepared to deliver her speech formally opening parliament.

The Duke, who recently marked his 96th birthday, announced earlier this year he would not be undertaking any formal duties after the autumn.

No further details were given. The last time he appeared in public was for the official celebration of the Queen's Birthday, the Trooping the Colour ceremony last Saturday.