Duke of Edinburgh leaves the hospital after hip surgery

LONDON — Buckingham Palace says the Duke of Edinburgh — the husband of Queen Elizabeth II — has left the hospital after a hip replacement operation.

The palace says in a statement Friday that he will continue his recovery at Windsor Castle. He is expected to need a rehabilitation period and to use crutches for weeks.

Prince Philip, 96, had surgery April 4 at the King Edward VII Hospital.

Philip had suffered from hip pain in recent weeks and had missed a number of family events, including an Easter church service with the queen and other members of the royal family.