Docs to stay on lookout.

Byline: PAUL BYRNE

PRINCE Philip will be closely watched by royal medics in the coming days following his escape from a car smash.

Doctors will be taking no chances with the health of the 97-year-old after he emerged unscathed from the collision.

It is possible he will suffer delayed symptoms and experts say because of his age, an accident of this type could have serious consequences.

But the prince, who has bounced back from a series of health problems in recent years, will be determined to defy calls to take it easy.

Doctors will check him regularly over the coming days to ensure he has no unseen internal injuries.

Dr Nick Scriven, president of the Society for Acute Medicine said: "Risks in any accident like this are concussion or even a subdural hematoma following a head injury."

A subdural hematoma is where blood collects between the skull and the surface. Scriven added: "This would especially be a worry in the elderly.

"If he has had any head injury, he will need monitoring for his mental state and alertness. People suffering from subdural hematoma can become confused and sleepy.

"This is not a minor event for a 97-year-old. It doesn't take much trauma for a very elderly person to lose their confidence.

"If he wasn't knocked out and there's no obvious head trauma it is probably OK for him to stay at home."