The Duke of Edinburgh is giving up his public duties from the autumn, Buckingham Palace has announced.
The palace said Prince Philip, who turns 96 next month, had taken the decision with the “full support” of the Queen.
The Duke, who has had some medical problems over the years, appeared to be in good health on Wednesday and well enough to go about his usual business.
He opened the new £25m Warner Stand at Lord’s cricket ground, named after former England captain Pelham Warner – one of 22,191 solo official engagements he has carried out.
As he pulled a cord to reveal a monument to his visit, he joked: “You’re about to see the world’s most experienced plaque-unveiler.”
Over the years he has made 637 solo overseas trips as well, given 5,493 speeches and authored 14 books.
He still has a busy calendar of 24 engagements to fulfil before he steps down, including the Regimental Remembrance Service at Wellington Barracks in London later this month, and hosting the King and Queen of Spain next month.
But it appears he believes the time has come to take a step back from royal duties that can often involve extensive travel.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “Prince Philip will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August, both individually and accompanying The Queen.
“Thereafter, the Duke will not be accepting new invitations for visits and engagements, although he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time.
“The Duke of Edinburgh is patron, president or a member of over 780 organisations, with which he will continue to be associated, although he will no longer play an active role by attending engagements.
“Her Majesty will continue to carry out a full programme of official engagements with the support of members of the Royal Family.”
Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “Prince Philip will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August, both individually and accompanying The Queen.
“Thereafter, the Duke will not be accepting new invitations for visits and engagements, although he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time.
“The Duke of Edinburgh is patron, president or a member of over 780 organisations, with which he will continue to be associated, although he will no longer play an active role by attending engagements.
“Her Majesty will continue to carry out a full programme of official engagements with the support of members of the Royal Family.”
.skynews
