The Duke of Edinburgh has decided to retire from royal duties this autumn. As per the announcement made by the Buckingham Palace, the decision was made by Prince Philip himself and is supported by the Queen. “In taking this decision, The Duke has the full support of The Queen,” the royal announcement read.
However, Prince Philip will be attending the engagements which had been scheduled prior to the announcement till August. He will not accept any invitations thereafter. “Although he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time,” the announcement said.
The Duke of Edinburgh is associated as a Patron, President or a member of over 780 organisations. However, he will no longer play an active role by attending engagements. The Queen, on the other hand, will continue to carry out a full programme of official engagements with the support of members of the Royal Family.
He and the Queen will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary in November. The prince will turn 96 next month. He carried out 110 days of engagements in 2016.
An announcement regarding The Duke of Edinburgh. https://t.co/SF1bgo68Un pic.twitter.com/TO9mR70xTk
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 4, 2017
Reacting to the announcement, British Prime Minister Theresa May expressed her gratitude to Prince Philip and thanked him for supporting the queen.
The Duke of Edinburgh is Patron, President or a member of over 780 organisations, with which he will continue to be associated. pic.twitter.com/lH2zsYKXsp
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 4, 2017
The Duke of Edinburgh has had a long association with cricket and is officially involved with over 20 cricketing institutions worldwide.
The Duke of Edinburgh, who today opens the new Warner Stand @HomeOfCricket, bats during a Charity match in aid of @FieldsInTrust in 1953 pic.twitter.com/ihI3xmitbd
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 3, 2017
