Queen’s husband to step down from public life at the age of 95
Queen Elizabeth’s husband, Prince Philip, is to retire from public life and will not carry out public engagements from the autumn, Buckingham Palace has announced.
The Palace said in a statement it was the decision by Philip, who is known by his title Duke of Edinburgh, was taken with the support of the Queen.
The statement said: “His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh 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. 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.”
Philip, who is 95, has been a constant presence by the Queen’s side but may have decided that his advancing years required that his workload be lightened.
Younger members of the Royal Family, including Prince William, have taken on more duties in recent years.
Philip’s announcement does not affect the Queen, who “will continue to carry out a full programme of official engagements with the support of members of the Royal Family”, Buckingham Palace said.
