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Prince Philip

Prince Philip photographed with tears in his eyes after stepping down from Royal duties

After the announcement came in that Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth would be stepping down from his Royal duties this autumn; he carried on his planned day.

Leaving Buckingham Palace for St James’ Palace, to attend an Order of Merit service with The Queen just hours after his choice was publicised. The Duke of Edinburgh was photographed in his chauffeured car with tears in his eyes and again later at the ceremony. The weight of the decision clearly taking a toll of on him.

The Duke of Edinburgh has the “full support” of Her Majesty; the two will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary in November.

This morning it was finally confirmed after speculations what the “emergency” meeting called at Buckingham Palace was about that The Duke of Edinburgh is stepping down from public duties this autumn. The announcement was made after all members of the Queen’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 to time. The Duke of Edinburgh has the full support of Her Majesty The Queen at this time. Her Majesty will continue will her full program of official engagements with the support of other members of the Royal Family

The Duke of Edinburgh is associated with over 780 organisations, but he will no longer play an active role in attending their engagements. The Duke of Edinburgh will celebrate his 96th birthday in June.

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.

Queen Elizabeth, who just turned 91-years-old last month, will continue to carry out Royal duties as before with growing assistance of the younger senior family members.

Additional reporting from Moniek Bloks. 

 

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