Prince Philip has been admitted to hospital just days before Christmas

The Palace confirmed it was a "precautionary measure."

Prince Philip has been taken to hospital just days before Christmas. The 98-year-old is said to have been admitted as a "precautionary measure" on the advice of his doctor. Buckingham Palace confirmed the news in a statement on Friday afternoon. "The Duke of Edinburgh travelled from Norfolk this morning to the King Edward VII Hospital in London for observation and treatment in relation to a pre-existing condition," it said. "The admission is a precautionary measure, on the advice of His Royal Highness's doctor." According to royal reporter Omid Scobie, the Duke of Edinburgh is expected to stay in hospital for two or three days. Meanwhile, the Queen is said to be staying in Sandringham.

Worth highlighting that this was a planned visit for an pre-existing medical condition, so no cause for alarm. He’s expected to remain under observation for 2-3 days (while the Queen stays at Sandringham).

— Omid Scobie (@scobie) December 20, 2019

A number of members of the royal family are expected to travel to Sandringham in the coming days, including Prince Charles and Camilla; as well as the Cambridges. And two of the young members of the royal family are expected to join a big Christmas tradition this year. The siblings are set to make their first public Christmas Day appearance this year, according to The Sun.  The publication report that the young royals will be walking with their parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, to church on Christmas Day. “It will be so sweet. George and Charlotte will make their Christmas debut, as long as they’re both on good form on the day," an insider told the publication. The news comes after it emerged that Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their son Archie would not be going to Sandringham this Christmas. The Sussexes will instead be spending the holidays "as a new family, with the Duchess' mother Doria Ragland." "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking forward to extended family time towards the end of this month," a place spokesperson said at the end of November. "Having spent the last two Christmases at Sandringham, Their Royal Highnesses will spend the holiday this year, as a new family, with the Duchess' mother Doria Ragland.