British Prince Philip's health a concern

NORFOLK, England, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- Fears for the health of Britain's Prince Philip, 87, have been stoked after he missed several engagements Sunday, royal family observers say.

The prince, husband of Queen Elizabeth, did not appear in church nor at a shooting party held at the royal retreat near Sandringham, the Mail on Sunday reported.

Philip, the duke of Edinburgh, has not been seen in a week. A Buckingham Palace spokesman told the British tabloid Saturday the prince was remaining indoors after pulling a muscle in his back while carriage driving last week.

His continued seclusion was evident Sunday when the queen met 60 well-wishers as she arrived at St. Peter and St. Paul church in West Newton.