Thank you Sir!
Prince Philip’s final official engagement is next week
THE Duke of Edinburgh’s final public engagement before he retires will take place next Wednesday, Buckingham Palace has said.
Philip will attend a Royal Marines’ charity parade outside the Queen’s London residence before he steps back from his official duties.
Earlier this year it was announced he would retire after the summer.
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said that the parade would “bring His Royal Highness’s individual programme to a conclusion, although he may choose to attend certain events, alongside the Queen, from time to time”.
The parade will mark the end of the 1664 Global Challenge, which raises money for The Royal Marines Charity.
This year it has seen marines from around the country running 16.64 miles each day for 100 days, totalling a distance of 1,664 miles.
The number is symbolic for the naval fighting force, which traces its roots back to the year 1664. Philip became its Captain General in 1953, replacing King George VI after his death.
Invited
It was announced in May that the Duke, who turned 96 last month, would step down, but the palace said it was not for health-related reasons.
The Duke has spent 51 days so far this year carrying out public engagements – more than the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Queen.
Philip’s appearances out and about with the monarch in the public eye since the start of 2017 have ranged from feeding an elephant at Whipsnade Zoo to attending the official opening of the Metropolitan Police headquarters at New Scotland Yard.
Solo engagements included opening the new Warner Stand at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London and meeting actor Tom Cruise at a Buckingham Palace dinner to mark the 75th anniversary of the Outward Bound Trust.
The Queen has so far spent 49 days carrying out public engagements since January 1, up to and including July 25. William has spent 43 days on public events, while Kate has totalled 37. The figures, compiled by the Press Association, do not include audiences and behind-the-scenes meetings, but purely events held in public or where the royals have met invited members of the public.
Philip’s daughter the Princess Royal has been the busiest royal for public engagements so far – with 106 days – while future king the Prince of Wales is next with 87.
The Duke of York has notched up 68 days, the Earl of Wessex 52, the Duchess of Cornwall 49 and Prince Harry 44.
The Queen also works every day on the official papers contained in her red boxes. Prince Philip has taken 637 solo overseas trips, made 5,493 speeches and authored 14 books.
He became the longest-serving consort in the British monarchy’s history in 2009 and is the oldest ever male member of the British Royal Family.