All smiles: Duke thanks well-wishers as he leaves London Clinic

Philip, 92, looked relaxed and smiled as he left the London Clinic and walked briskly to a waiting car after saying goodbye to senior staff.

He appears to be making good progress after his operation just over a week ago, and in the last few days has been asking for paperwork from his office.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “The Duke is in good condition and good spirits. He’ll take a period of convalescence, of approximately two months. The Duke has expressed his thanks and appreciation to medical staff at the London Clinic and the many members of the public who have sent good wishes.”

Philip has received more than 1,000 cards from well-wishers during his time at the Clinic.

Wearing a blazer, shirt and tie, the Duke looked at ease when he left the hospital and waved before getting into the front seat of his chauffeur-driven vehicle.

He walked out of the hospital clutching a large hardback book, Crucible Of War by the American historian Fred Anderson.

Details of the original symptoms behind Philip’s admission have not been released, but it is thought the procedure did not involve his heart or bladder – organs with which the Duke has experienced problems before.

The Duke will initially spend time at Windsor Castle, where the Queen is staying.