Fears for Prince Philip's health as secret heart condition is revealed

The 86-year-old is said to have taken the problem in his stride but recently suffered a bout of ill-health which caused the Queen and other members of the Royal Family some concern.

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Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the claim in London's Evening Standard.

The allegation also came as a surprise to the Duke of Edinburgh's private staff, who said he was in robust health for a man of his age. He still carries out 400 engagements a year.

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According to the report, the Duke, who is patron of the British Heart Foundation, needs regular medication.

His bodyguards are said to be on constant alert to take him to hospital at once if he becomes dizzy or short of breath.

A senior courtier was quoted as saying: "He has regular checkups but recently there has been some concern as he was feeling unwell."

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Asked if he has been ordered to reduce his schedule, the aide joked: "Who is going to tell him? To be blunt, the Duke is not somebody you tell what to do."

Earlier this month the Queen and Philip returned to London from their extended summer stay at Balmoral.

The Duke resumed his official engagements at once, including opening buildings and hosting receptions, lunches, dinners and meetings.

Next month he will accompany the Queen on a private visit to Malta, where they lived before she became Queen, to commemorate their diamond wedding anniversary.

Then he flies with the Queen, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall to Uganda for the Commonwealth heads of government conference.

A member of the Duke of Edinburgh's private office, where some staff have worked with him for 20 years, said: "If he has a heart condition then it is a matter between himself and his doctor.

"He has never discussed the issue with even his closest and most trusted members of staff.

"The Duke is in robust health for a man of his age and hasn't slowed down his schedule in the slightest.

"He rarely, if ever, takes a day off sick and is hardly ever known to see a doctor.

"At the age of 86, he is the second hardest working member of the Royal Family. He exercises regularly and enjoys carriage driving, an extremely strenuous and demanding sport."

In the past Philip has robustly denied ill health. Three years ago when he suffered bruising to his face after slipping in the bath he asked a journalist: "Do I look bloody ill?"