Prince Philip leaves hospital in London to return to Sandringham in time for Christmas

Prince Philip has left hospital in London in time for Christmas.

Dressed in a suit with a light blue tie, the Duke of Edinburgh was seen walking out of King Edward VII Hospital four days after he admitted into "for observation and treatment in relation to a pre-existing condition".

The 98-year-old was discharged by his doctor and returned to Sandringham, where the rest of the British Royal Family are gathering for their annual Christmas celebrations.

"His Royal Highness would like to thank everyone who sent their good wishes," Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

Prince Charles had given an update on his dad's condition while touring flood-affected communities in South Yorkshire on Monday, according to Hello Magazine.

"He's being looked after very well in hospital," the Prince of Wales stated. "At the moment that's all we know."

When another member of the public asked the royal "Sir, how is your father?", Charles responded: "Alright. When you get to that age things don't work so well!"

Buckingham Palace revealed the admittance was a precautionary measure, rather than an emergency and it's understood Prince Philip walked into the hospital himself on the day of the pre-planned admission.

Perhaps indicating the state of the situation, Queen Elizabeth continued ahead with her Christmas plans, taking the train from London to Sandringham the same day of her husband's hospital admission.