One is not deceased, one is simply retiring
Buckingham Palace began briefing reporters that the planned meeting was not due to health problems of either of the royal couple, saying there was no cause for concern.
The statement said Prince Philip would attend all his previously scheduled engagements between now and August, either on his own or in company with 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,’’ Buckingham Palace said.
While the Duke will remain associated with the 780 charities that he supports, he will no longer attend events for them.
And the Queen will be supported by other royal family members in her official engagements, the Palace said.
Earlier yesterday, senior staff gathered at Buckingham Palace to be addressed by the Lord Chamberlain and the Queen’s private secretary, Sir Christopher Geidt.
A palace worker, who asked not to be named, told reporters that he’d received an email on Wednesday about an urgent meeting at Buckingham Palace scheduled for 10am yesterday, London time.
The man had no idea what he was heading into as he approached Buckingham Palace.
“We were all speculating that a bunch of us would be laid off because of the expensive refurbishments going on,” the man said.
“But we honestly have no idea. It could be anything. They didn’t give any hints as to anything it would be.
“If it’s a personal matter, like when William got engaged or if there’s death in the family, they don’t normally call a meeting with all staff.” He added that it was “very unusual.’’
Prince Philip, meanwhile, was in excellent form attending a luncheon and opening a grandstand at the famed Lord’s cricket ground on Wednesday – cracking jokes about his prowess at unveiling plaques.
The Queen, 91, and Prince Philip were due to attend an Order of Merit service this morning at St James’s Palace and to host a lunch afterwards.