British officials say Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, Prince Philip, is recovering after hip surgery

The 96-year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth II is recovering after undergoing a successful hip replacement operation Wednesday, Buckingham Palace said.

The palace said Prince Philip is “progressing satisfactorily at this early stage” and is likely to spend several days at King Edward VII Hospital in London.

He is said to be “comfortable and in good spirits.”

Philip had suffered hip pain in recent weeks. Before he went into the hospital Tuesday, he missed a number of family events, including an Easter church service with the queen and other members of the royal family.

The British Orthopedic Assn. said Philip’s surgery was necessary because he was suffering from osteoarthritis.

Ananda Nanu, the board’s president, said hip replacement patients need strong pain relief after their operations. Most can be mobile 24 hours after surgery and increase their activity every day after that, he said.

“At the age of 96, there are slightly greater risks, but he will be looked after by an extremely skilled team,” Nanu said of the prince.

Philip was an avid sportsman for many years and saw active duty in the Royal Navy during World War II. He has supported many charities, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which he founded in 1956. The charity has been active in more than 100 countries and has helped thousands of young people to engage in volunteering and develop life and work skills.

Philip announced his retirement from royal duties in May and curtailed most of his charity work, although he still accompanies the queen on occasion. He has carried out some 22,000 solo royal engagements since Elizabeth became queen in 1952.

They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Elizabeth, usually so guarded with her personal emotions, has publicly called him the rock that she depends on.

Philip has suffered from heart disease and other ailments in recent years.