Tas governor Peter Underwood 'gravely ill'

Tasmanian Governor Peter Underwood is gravely ill in hospital.

The former Supreme Court chief justice, who had a tumour removed from his kidney in June, was being monitored with "great care" at the Royal Hobart Hospital, a statement from his office said on Monday.

Justice David Porter has been appointed Administrator in his stead until July 19, the statement said.

The statement said updates on Governor Underwood's condition would be provided by his office as they become available.

The Anglican Bishop of Tasmania John Harrower has taken to Facebook to ask people to pray for his recovery.