Cold causes 90-year-old Duke to cancel trip to Italy

Philip, 90, was due to travel for an overnight stay in Assisi for the launch of the ARC Green Pilgrimage Network.

A spokesman for the Duke said he was still expected to undertake official engagements in the UK later this week.

Philip has just finished a busy 11-day official royal tour to Australia which saw the nonagenarian accompany the Queen to Perth, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane.

The Queen pulled out of a visit to the British Museum with a cold the week before the long-haul trip to ensure she was fit to travel.

The tour of Australia was billed by commentators as the 85-year-old Queen’s last to the continent in light of her age, but the Palace dismissed speculation that it was a farewell visit.

In June last year, the Duke had minor surgery on his left hand just before his 89th birthday to cure carpal tunnel syndrome, a common condition that causes pain, numbness and a burning sensation in the hand and fingers.

The hand operation forced Philip to cancel an official trip with the Queen to Crewe.