Prince Philip was, reportedly, forced to give up shooting due to a heart procedure that he underwent in 2011.
In the book Prince Philip Revealed, royal author Ingrid Seward said that the Duke of Edinburgh has gone shooting in almost a decade amid fears that the recoil of the gun would dislodge the stent in his heart.
Back then, Buckingham Palace released a statement saying that Prince Philip received treatment for a blocked coronary artery. It was also revealed that Prince Philip had been suffering from chest pains before he underwent the procedure.
Since Prince Philip could no longer go shooting after the surgery, Seward said that he had to look for a different hobby. Queen Elizabeth’s husband reportedly fell in love with fishing.
Two years ago, Prince Philip had his hip replaced at King Edward VII hospital in London. After the surgery, The Guardian reported that Prince Philip moved around with the help of a stick or crutches. He also received weeks of aftercare to ensure that he could walk properly again.
Prior to the surgery, Prince Philip, reportedly, complained about the pain in his joint. And after the surgery, there were also fears that the Duke of Edinburgh wouldn’t be able to attend Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding.
However, the dad of four surprised royal fans after he made an appearance at the couple’s nuptials. In fact, Prince Philip looked as healthy as ever when he arrived at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle with the queen.
According to reports, Prince Harry rushed to wed Markle to make sure that Prince Philip would be able to attend their wedding. But even though the dad of four attended the nuptials, he, reportedly, skipped the couple’s wedding reception.
Seward said that even though Prince Philip’s operation was successful, elderly patients who undergo surgery need several weeks or months of rehabilitation. They also need an aide to walk again.
But when Prince Philip arrived at the wedding venue, he shocked everyone because he didn’t have a stick or cane with him.
Seward said that even though the Duke of Edinburgh hates long sermons, he sat through the priest’s 14-minute sermon at the wedding service. He also posed for photos in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle.
But while 600 guests enjoyed a lavish meal organized by the queen for Prince Harry and Markle, Prince Philip decided to return home to get some rest.