Torsten Blackwood/AP Photo

Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II's husband for more than 60 years, was hospitalized this evening after experiencing chest pains, British royal officials said. Philip, 90, was taken from Sangringham, the couple's sprawling estate where the family was gathering for Christmas, to a hospital in Cambridge to undergo what the palace is calling precautionary tests.

Philip, the duke of Edinburgh, is the longest-serving spouse of a British monarch. The pomp and pageantry of their 1947 wedding was a source of international intrigue and the start of a life of walking a few steps behind his wife in public.

When it comes to the family, however, Philip is very much the equal of his wife. He was instrumental in the decisions the couple made as they raised their four children and played a major role in Prince Charles' choice of Lady Diana to be his bride.

This has been a busy year for the prince. In April, grandson William, heir to the throne, married Kate Middleton, now duchess of Cambridge, and in June he celebrated his 90th birthday.

Next year looks to be just as busy as the royal family prepares for the queen's diamond jubilee in June, a celebration of 60 years on the throne that will be sure to have all the extravagance observers have come to expect of the British royals.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.