AKIPRESS.COM - The Duke of Edinburgh has been taken to hospital for treatment for a pre-existing condition, Buckingham Palace has said, Sky News reports.

Prince Philip, 98, travelled from Sandringham, where he spends much of his time since retiring, to the King Edward VII Hospital in London on Friday morning as a precautionary measure on advice of his doctor.

He was not taken by ambulance and it was a planned admission.

The palace announcement came as the Queen arrived at the Norfolk estate for her Christmas break after carrying out her duties at the State Opening of Parliament on Thursday.

The royal couple have been married for more than 70 years.