Prince Philip stands down from royal duties
LONDON (Reuters) — Prince Philip, the 95-yearold husband of Queen Elizabeth, is to retire from carrying out royal engagements later this year, the Buckingham Palace has announced.
The prince, also known as the Duke of Edinburgh, has been by his wife’s side throughout her 65 years on the throne. He has decided to cease public duties from August, the palace said in a statement.
The Queen’s royal staff were called from across Britain to London to attend an eleventhhour meeting at Buckingham Palace yesterday morning, triggering questions about the health of the monarch and the Duke of Edinburgh.
Those questions were put to rest when Buckingham Palace issued a statement just after 10 a.m. London time, stating that Prince Philip, who is associated with more than 780 organizations, would stand down from royal duties.
”Prince Philip will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August, both individually and accompanying The Queen,” it said.
”Thereafter, The Duke will not be accepting new invitations for visits and engagements, although he may still choose to attend certain events from time to time.”
Prince Philip, 95, was on public duty on Wednesday, opening a new multimilliondollar grandstand at Lord’s cricket ground in London, named after former England captain Sir Pelham Warner.
He will continue to be associated with organizations but he will no longer play an active role by attending engagements.
The Queen will continue to carry out a full program of official engagements with the support of members of the Royal Family, the statement said.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s retirement from public engagements comes as the Queen and Prince Philip prepare to mark a poignant personal milestone this year.