Prince Philip Officially Retires…
Following the news of an emergency meeting being held at Buckingham Palace, details began surfacing as to what it was all about. The Queen’s senior aides and servants were told to head to London immediately.
Turns out, it was announced by Queen Elizabeth’s private secretary that Prince Philip “has decided that he will no longer carry out public engagements from the autumn of this year. In taking this decision, The Duke has the full support of The Queen.”
The 95-year old Duke of Edinburgh “will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August, both individually and accompanying The Queen,” the statement continued. “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.”
It also said: “The Duke of Edinburgh is Patron, President or a member of over 780 organizations, 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 program of official engagements with the support of members of the Royal Family.”
Just this week, both Elizabeth and Philip were seen in public to meet with the British Prime Minister Theresa May in honor of a new Warner Stand at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
At the time, Philip laughed and said: “You’re about to see the world’s most experienced plaque-unveiler,” before pulling a cord to part a small curtain.
The couple celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary last November.
Queen Elizabeth is 91.