Buckingham Palace is refusing to comment following the publication in tonight’s London Evening Standard of an exclusive story which claims that Prince Philip has been suffering from a heart problem and is now in constant danger of suffering a heart attack.

Asked about the front page report, a Palace spokeswoman said: "We never comment on the health matters of the royal family."

According to the paper, the 86-year-old Duke of Edinburgh has suffered heart problems for fifteen years.

This has allegedly resulted in bodyguards and staff who accompany the Queen’s husband being ordered to watch out for any signs that he needs medical attention, even if this means taking him to hospital against his will.

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Name: Monika

Comment: Observer, I understand your point that they cannot comment on everything, absolutely. I ask this without sarcasm...where are you getting your information that the official BP line is that this is nonsense? I ask because of the following information contained in this article: A "senior royal official" is quoted as saying: "The Duke of Edinburgh has lived with a heart condition for years for which he takes medication." "Those who work close to him are informed of the symptoms and if he shows any sign of them he is to be taken straight to see a specialist." Going back to my original comment, saying 'no comment' is not a denial, nor is it a confirmation...quite different from stating something is untrue. Hope this makes sense!

Name: Observer

Comment: Hi Monika. The official line from the Palace is no comment - just as it was when the Mirror wrongly claimed that Sophie was pregnant a couple of years ago. But that's only because they don't want to be seen to be responding to every claim about what they see as matters affecting the privacy of the Royal Family. If they go on the record over that today, then why not an unfounded claim that Prince so and so is gay, or Prince so and so is the illegitimate son of someone, or Prince so and so regularly visits prostitutes. They would spend their entire time doing that and as soon as there was no official comment, it would be tantamount to confirmation of anything salacious. There are always unfounded rumours flying around. I'm sure we've all heard someone who knows one of these things for a fact because they heard it from a friend of a friend... But privately, people at the palace do give background briefings to MPs, journalists and others and it's clear on this occasion that, after consulting their boss, Philip's staff have told lots of people that this is news to them and that it's not true. Of course, they could all be lying. But I doubt it.

Name: valmae	Comment: Let's wait and see. I think Prince Philip is fabulous for his age. Heres to many, many more years. What other man would tog himself up in all those heavy uniforms at the age of 86? Most of the 86 year citizens of the UK would stick to carpet slippers and favourite comfy clothes.

Name: Kate

Comment: Well - I'm going to try again and hopefully the wording will be politically correct...What you have described in your post, is the correct way, Her Majesty should follow procedures.However, there is a huge group out there in the world that believes " she stepped in" at the last moment, that last moment being JUST prior to Mr.Burrell taking the stand to testify on items gone missing from Diana's home, after her death.The RF and people who guide the monarchy were anxious that Mr.Burrell not be in a position to be asked specific questions directed at him, regarding the life and style of the royals!!The only person in the world to be able to do that with very little questions asked, was Her Majesty. I feel it was a blessing for Mr.Burrell that The Queen recalled their conversation, precisely the day he was to take the witness stand. You have your opinion and I mine.Now I have to rebutt, by asking what country your live in? I believe and IMO the courtiers and advisors and aides will spin any story they wish , to protect the reputations of /and the royals themselves and the monarchy..It is common knowledge that there have been deceptions, put out by these loyal workers, to protect the RF... I Know there are at least 3 Newspaper reporters that I am absolutely sure, they know how CH/BP operate..2, friends of the late Diana and 1 a close friend of the DOC....So you could be incorrect on that account..

Name: Monika	Comment: Observer, I understand your point, however, there's a huge difference between a "no comment" and saying the story is "nonsense."

Name: Observer	Comment: Sorry, the conspiracy theories aired on here are laughable. If a story claiming Philip has a heart condition was being put out to give Buckingham Palace an excuse to keep the Duke away from the inquest, why then is everyone at the palace saying this story is nonsense? Surely they would be confirming it rather than denying it?

Name: Laurie	Comment: Well, it's not right to say that it's a conspiracy to get Diana out of the headlines, there are other news in the world. I believe she was murdered and if that is the case there should be justice but the fact is it shouldn't be in the front pages of the papers every day, things happen in the world daily. I'm no Prince Philip fan but I don't wish him any harm either!

Name: Anyacat	Comment: If the Prince died tomorrow, someone would suggest that Charles smothered his father in his sleep to deflect attention away from Diana.

Name: exploora

Comment: I think most families have things they wont to keep private, it doesn't mean familly members are plotting murders or what have you, it is just because privacy is what is needed for a person to maintain mental health to a degree. It can be argued that mental illness is some mysterious thing, but there is evidence, especially in management theory poeple have needs which have to met for them to feel motivated and positive, and such needs when satisfied or alternatively frustrated, have incredibly power to devolve, limit and evolve, a person's mental wellbeing. That is also common sense. We go on about Prince Harry needing help while technically if we follow most management theories relating to optimizing a person's mental state, Harry's situation is an incredible mental risk, and most of us in his situation would be glad for the escape of an alcohol induced death fantasy. Most people, want to set personal boundaries where a person is allowed to be "unknown" as well as "known", once the boundary is violated for whatever reason, all kinds of problems can happen. That is common sense. I am sure Prince Philip had his moments, but I think taking his grandsons hunting was probably a good thing for them, since they both enjoy hunting. I think this hearing will be very painful for the RF and the spencer family. This whole event has heartbreaking potential, and will pose risk not just for Prince Philip.

Name: Rachel	Comment: I never seriously expected Prince Philip to take the stand at this inquest. M al F's charges against him are ludicrous. To think that this man who has served his country to the best of his ability would conspire to have the mother of his grandchildren killed is ridiculous.

Name: exploora

Comment: I suspect Kate is right, I still think it is true that Prince Philip apears old and frail and we need to be gentle with him, just for HM's sake. Everyone knows the risk involved when one half of a couple dies. MY mother's cousins died months apart from each other. Even if Charles could make a good King, the way he treated Di and worse yet the way he is perceived to have treated Di, appears to have lowered public opinion about him. In Wills case, he appears to be going out of his way to lower public opinion about himself, which was actually quiet high at one point. And public opinion is often quiet unfair for example blaming a teenager like Beatrice for almost falling out of her dress, when she was depending on the "experts" to prepare her for the haute couture event she was attending, is really not only unfair but doesn't even make sense. Leadership is having common sense, and believing in other people knowing that knowledge is power, a person cannot go into a situation, any situation and perform tasks leading to desired outcome, without knowing the important details of the situation. A person could be an expert dress designer but still needs to know the person's measurements to design a dress to fit. Isn't it always about the three f's when it comes to haute couture. Fashion, fit and function.br /> Charles apparently did not how to even make a cup of tea when he was with Di, that is not really a great position to be in, depending on experts to make one a cup of tea. At least Wills knows how to make one of my favourite snacks, toast and peanut butter , so my opinion about him is rising a bit . I also like cheese toasties )). Cuccumber sandwiches are ok, so is pea soup. If I was invited to high tea, I would eat whatever was given to me, I just can't believe a person who has been invited to high tea with members of the Royal Family would actually complain about the food, ha ha. I think Prince Philip if he testifies, and even reveals a dark secret, can't do much more damage than has already been done to the Royal Family. Marrying someone knowing you did not love them, is pretty nasty I think, we do not really know if Charles did do that, but we appear to know that Prince Philip obviously appears to love HM. They seem to love each other. It doesn't mean they don't have issues, it means they are willing to overcome issues.

Name: Contessa	Comment: Prince Philip has a heart? Now that IS news!!!!

Name: Thomas

Comment: The Queen did not "step in and stop it" (Burrell trial)- what country are you living in?? The Queen as Head of State is Head of the Judiciary (see various websites on the matter) but justice (courts etc.) is done in her name- she could no more "step in and stop it" than any other UK citizen. If she HAD, then there would have been an impeachment and trial in Parliament, i.e. EIIR would be deposed. And read the oath she took at her Coronation.Your statement is ridiculous.I personally know some "courtiers"- they don't manipulate anything. But as I've said before,if you don't know how CH/BP actually work, you know nothing (and amazingly, most of the tabloid reporters in London don't) hence the chattering on websites. There have been concerns about HRH's health for the last few years- but NOT about his heart.

Name: Laura

Comment: I understand your point, Kate, but honestly, how long would it been before someone wrote 'Phillips ill health was revealed at this time and date to take away press interest on the inquest, therefore removing interest from the controversial proceeeings?'. Not very long I would of guessed. If Prince Phillip is called up then he'll be called up. I dont know whether he'll go. But like others have said, I hope that he isn't ill. But only time will tell. But why is my view of the news manipulation? The Palace may well be (and this is a example) preparing us for the Duke to completely refrain from public engagements and therefore this is the build up. Who knows? Stories like this ususaly have foundation. I also hope he has many years left in him but in reality he is 85 and this may not be the case.

Name: Kate

Comment: Laura - Bringing Prince Philip's medical condition to the front , is NOT to distract from the Diana inquest, but to set up a scenario, that Prince Philip is " old frail and with heart condition", therefore please have pity and do NOT call him to testify AT the inquest! IMO, like the time Burrell was about take that stand, the fact that he knew too too much about the RF, and the Queen stepped in and stopped it, it is the same conditions for Prince Philip. Old, frail and with a condition he might have, but they don't want him to take the stand.There was always that faint possibility he may have been summoned! As M-M said in her last post. too much manipulation in the past from CH, and BH, and tend to leave one a little sceptical However, your view of this news, that we are being prepared for something more serious, regarding PP, is also a bit of manipulation. I truly hope you are wrong and that the PP has several more years to come.

Name: exploora

Comment: To Beatrice's defence and credit, she appears to be one of the few Royals and associates who has what it to takes to be able to fall out of her reasonably possibly due to her being advised to wear a very nice dress but one which was obviously not designed for a full figured woman. I think refusing to coment relating to anything is not the same as denying whatever one is refusing to comment on. It is no secret Prince Philip has a heart and I think in many pictures prince philip has appeared very very frail looking while HM still looks well most of the time. I wish Prince Philip good health for his own sake, for HM's sake and for our sake. We don't have a good replacement for HM at this time, in my opinion, so just asking God to save our Queen is probably not adequate, we possibly need to ask God to save our Queen, her consort and everything even her tupperware she stores her breakfast cereal within if it contributes to building pillars of strength for HM.

Name: Laura

Comment: See where the flaw is in this arguement of it's good timing to take interest off the Diana inquest, and I think it's a big flaw is, since Diana's death Buckingham Palace have seen first hand that when a story comes out about Diana/death of Diana/inquest of Diana, that nothing can knock it off the top spot, they know even a revelation about Phillips health won't budge that. Nothing will. So I dont see this as way of trying to move people's interest at all.

Name: M-M	Comment: Laura the minor Royals you mention all have excellent PR images except perhaps Beatrice who has a problenm falling out of her dresses ! The only ones regularly used as a distraction from the Inquest IMO are William and Harry and their GFs - so far . C/H has gained a reputation for manipulating the Royal news over the years , that is why the public are sceptical now

Name: Laura

Comment: In my opinion, relating all and sundry to Diana's death/inquest is getting both unneccesary and annoying. So what will it be next? Oh, yeah, Sophie deliberatly got pregnant in order to take the heat off the Royal Family and the Diana inquest...Beatrice is taking to wearing low cut dresses, oh yes, to take the heat off the Royal Family and the Diana inquest....Lady Helen Taylor is appearing more on the social scene, oh yes, to take the heat off the Royal Family and the Diana inquest. A bit over the top but you see my point? It's verging on the paranoid if you ask me. Has anyone wondered that maybe Phillip is getting sicker and could be quite ill and they are preparing us for something? Who knows, but I hardly doubt these revelations have been made to take the heat off the never ending Diana inquest.

Name: Rachel	Comment: He's 85 years old. It would be bigger news if he didn't have a serious health condition!

Name: M-M	Comment: Laura perhaps at the moment everything leads to the Inquest because the death of Diana is a ticking time bomb ? Clearly the RF will use anything to disassociate themselves from it . It is also clear that Phillip has been an old frail and irrascible man for some time . His photos are rather alarming .

Name: Kate

Comment: Laura... I can see the tie-in here that Alberto is making... Since even the papers say he has had a problem for the past 15 years and yet no one has played that up at all, until now that is, perhaps this info has been given to us to help establish a reason why Prince Philip CANNOT testify at Diana's hearing!Mustn't get too excited etc..After all, we have all seen how the RF and the monarchy courtiers can manipulate a scenario to their benefit.. Perhaps this is just another one of those times!

Name: Jean Sue Libkind	Comment: Many of us have heart conditions for years that are kept well under control with medication. This is overly dramatic reporting; must have been a slow news day.

Name: Monika	Comment: This is not about the inquest. I really think Prince Phillip has not looked well in the most recent pictures and, with their 60th anniversary coming up, the speculation is to be expected.

Name: Observer

Comment: I think you have to read between the lines here. Buckingham Palace is saying it does not comment on the health of individual members of the Royal Family - except, of course, it does when there is a real health issue to discuss, such as when the Queen goes in for an op or Sophie is pregnant. But on the other hand "royal sources" are saying there is nothing to suggest this story is true. I think the long and short of it is that this story is a load of rubbish but the palace doesn't want to get into providing a running public commentary on the health of each member of the family. When the Mirror reported, wrongly, a couple of years ago that Sophie was pregnant, the palace said it never commented on health issues but royal sources said there was nothing to suggest the story was true.

Name: Laura	Comment: For heavens sake Alberto. The press are just reporting on Prince Phillips health. Why does everything royal lead to Diana, the death of Diana or the inquest of Diana.

Name: Alberto	Comment: The Duke of Edinburgh has lived with a heart condition for years for which he takes medication...Sounds like a reason to avoid Diana inquest. Good timing.

Name: Kate	Comment: This man has had a wonderful life. He has been supportive to her Majesty for all these years, allowing her to keep focused on her role...I hope he has another 10 years to go!! For Prince Philip...