nTHE Duke of Edinburgh was due to accompany the Queen on the visit to Cheshire but cancelled as he is recovering from minor surgery on his left hand.

He was admitted as a day patient to an undisclosed hospital on Monday for the procedure to cure carpal tunnel syndrome.

The common condition causes pain, numbness and a burning sensation in the hand and fingers.

He cancelled a dinner engagement in the City on Tuesday night and the Cheshire visit but is expected to visit the Olympic Park in east London tomorrow.

Philip, who celebrated his 89th birthday yesterday, is wearing a bandage on his left hand.

The surgery was planned in advance but it is not known how long he had been suffering with the problem.