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Prince Philip

Duke of Edinburgh: “I can’t stand up for much longer”

The Duke of Edinburgh has spoken out today about the news of his retirement from royal duties.

At a reception hosted at St James’s Palace, a guest said to the 95-year-old: “I’m sorry to hear you are standing down.”

In his usual wit and dry sense of humour, Prince Philip replied: “Well, I can’t stand up for much longer!”

It was announced on Thursday morning that The Queen’s husband is to step down from public duties in the autumn.

Buckingham Palace made the announcement after all members of Her Majesty’s household were gathered at Buckingham Palace for a highly unusual staff meeting.

The Duke of Edinburgh is not accepting any new invitations for visits and engagements, although he may still choose to attend certain public events from time

The statement from the Palace added that the Duke has the full support of Her Majesty The Queen at this time.

The 91-year-old monarch will continue will her full program of official engagements with the support of other members of the Royal Family.

Prince Philip is currently associated with an impressive 780 organisations, but he will no longer play an active role in attending their engagements.

The Duke of Edinburgh will celebrate his 96thbirthday in June and has been by The Queen’s side since their marriage in 1947.

He follows in the footsteps of Prince Henrik of Denmark, the husband of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, who retired from public duties on 1 January 2016 at the age of 80.

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