AFP

LONDON QUEEN Elizabeth II’s husband Prince Philip marked his 91st birthday at home on Sunday, after five days of hospital treatment for a bladder infection which sparked concerns about his health.

The outspoken family patriarch was spending the day quietly at Windsor Castle after leaving London’s King Edward VII hospital on Saturday.

The Duke of Edinburgh was hospitalised on Monday in the midst of huge diamond jubilee celebrations marking his wife’s 60 years on the throne.

The prince, the longestserving royal consort in British history and the queen’s stalwart companion throughout her reign, was in good spirits as he walked out of the hospital, shaking hands with staff and smiling.

And he proved he was on his regular good form with one of his typically quick-witted remarks. Asked if he was feeling better, he quipped: “Well, I wouldn’t be coming out if I wasn’t.” A Buckingham Palace spokesman said the prince would mark his birthday privately.

Prince Philip is known for his characteristic lack of fuss and spent his 90th birthday working.

“He continues to make a good recovery and will continue his convalescence at home,” the spokesman said.

The World War II naval officer was driven to Windsor Castle, west of London, the BBC reported, where the royals usually spend the weekends.

His illness came six months after he was treated for a blocked coronary artery after suffering chest pains.

The prince’s health has generally been good — he continues to enjoy carriage-driving, still stands ramrod straight and walks about briskly — but he said before his 90th birthday that he would scale down his engagements.