Prince Philip speaks out for first time about his retirement
The Queen’s husband, Prince Philip, will retire form royal duties in autumn this year.
After the rumour mill went into overdrive when the Queen’s staff across the UK were called to the Palace in a “highly unusual” meeting, Buckingham Palace confirmed the Duke of Edinburgh will step down from official duties and he has the full support of the queen.
In a statement released on Thursday, Buckingham Palace said that while the 95-year-old royal will still serve as patron, president or a member of 780 organisations, he will no longer have "an active role."
After 70 years of royal service, many have described the retirement as well-deserved.
Shortly after the news was announced, Prince Philip was on duty. In customary form, he joined the Queen at St James’s Palace for a service and lunch for the Order of Merit.
When the mathematician Sir Michael Atiyah told him: “I’m sorry to hear you’re standing down,” Philip shot back with his trademark wit: “Well I can’t stand up much longer.”
Guest: “I’m sorry to hear you’re standing down”
Duke of Edinburgh: “Well I can’t stand up much longer”#BuckinghamPalace #PrincePhilip pic.twitter.com/OP5phPUtgt— 5News (@5_News) May 4, 2017
However, an aide said the decision was not based on a medical reason.
“The duke decided this is the right time. He’s nearly 96 and most people will have retired 30 years earlier,” he said.
The self-described “world’s most experienced plaque unveiler” has undertaken 22,191 solo engagements and given 5,493 speeches in the almost seven decades besides the Queen.
He is one of the busiest members of the royal family and his retirement marks a time of change for the royals.