Palace says Prince Philip's health improving

LONDON (AP) — Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, has improved considerably but will likely remain in the hospital for the next few days for treatment of a bladder infection, royal officials said Wednesday.

Philip was hospitalized on Monday with a bladder infection and forced to miss much of the celebration of the queen's 60 years on the throne.

Buckingham Palace said Wednesday that Philip is being treated with antibiotics and "is in good spirits."

It is not clear if the prince will be released in time for his 91st birthday on Sunday.

On Sunday, Prince Philip joined the queen and senior royals on the River Thames in cold, blustery weather for a pageant in honor of Elizabeth's reign.

But the illness has forced Philip to miss several key events of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, including a service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral on Tuesday and a concert outside Buckingham Palace on Monday.

He was visited on Tuesday by Prince Edward, who said his father was "feeling a lot better" and had been watching Jubilee events unfold on television.

Philip, who is also known as the Duke of Edinburgh, is a former naval officer who married the queen in 1947. His health remained robust through his 80s, but he has appeared frailer in recent years.

When he turned 90, he said he was "winding down," and he has cut back on official duties. But he still carries out engagements, both with his wife and on his own.

The prince spent four nights in the hospital over Christmas after suffering chest pains and underwent a successful coronary stent procedure.