Former Prime Minister John Howard has undergone emergency surgery after suffering appendicitis today.
The 81-year-old was rushed to Sydney’s Royal North Shore Private Hospital earlier today and reportedly underwent an appendectomy.
A spokesperson for Mr Howard said he was doing well following the procedure.
“He has been operated on and is recovering well,” the spokesperson told The Daily Telegraph.
“He thanks everyone for their good wishes and particularly thanks the staff at Royal North Shore Private for their excellent care.”
Mr Howard is the oldest living former Australian Prime Minister. In 2015 Mr Howard underwent surgery for blocked arteries and had two stents inserted.
During his time as Prime Minister from 1996 to 2007 Mr Howard was famous away from public office for his often publicised daily walks, clocking up 20,000km on foot during his time in the country’s top job.
He made headlines last year for intervening in a domestic violence dispute during one of his daily walks.
The then 80-year-old was walking near his home in Wollstonecraft on Sydney’s north shore when he saw a man and woman in a physical altercation.
Mr Howard stepped in and stayed by the woman’s side until police arrived.
