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The husband of Britain's Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, has undergone surgery to treat a blocked artery in his heart that Buckingham Palace said had caused him chest pains.

A palace spokeswoman said the prince had undergone a “minimally invasive procedure” that inserted a coronary stent. She said he will remain in the hospital for a short period. But it is not known whether his hospitalization will disrupt Christmas plans for the royal couple

The 90-year-old prince had been admitted to the specialist Papworth Hospital in Cambridge on Friday.

Prince Philip, who was born in Greece in 1921, has been with Queen Elizabeth during her entire time on the British throne, which this year was her 60th. They were married in 1947.

Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, is their eldest child.

Prince Philip, who is also called the Duke of Edinburgh, has been known for his good health, tireless spirit and outspoken views.