Proving that hearing aids are fit for royalty, Prince Phillip the Duke of Edinburgh has been sighted at a public appearance wearing 'behind-the-ear' hearing aids.

The Prince, who turned 93 in June, was seen wearing the pair of subtle hearing aids at a reception at Buckingham Palace, with just two thin wires clearly visible. Due to the design, it is thought that Prince Phillip was wearing one of two forms of discreet hearing aid: an 'open-fit' device, which has a small earpiece at the tip of the tubing that is inserted into the ear, or a 'receiver in the ear' device which has a small loudspeaker attached, resting just inside the earcanal.

Royal observers have pointed out that Prince Phillip's need for hearing aids is hardly surprising given his age, but emphasised that the new aids will make life much easier for the Duke of Edinburgh when he is on royal duty.

Joe Little of Majesty magazine told the Telegraph that the Prince still appears to be a fine figure of health, and will not let his hearing issues affect his public appearances: "He has done remarkably well to be doing what he does for so long and not need them," he said. "Over the years it has been apparent when he has been out with the Queen that he has not been fully au fait with things going on around him, and Elizabeth often has to repeat things to him. I think his hearing has been impaired for some time, so it is just a way of improving his quality of life."