WELL, I CAN’T STAND UP FOR MUCH LONGER
Prince Philip cracks jokes as he reveals plans to quit public life
PRINCE Philip announced his retirement from public engagements yesterday – and couldn’t resist a wisecrack at his own expense.
An hour after Buckingham Palace released the news of the move, the 95-year-old Duke of Edinburgh was back at work at an official engagement at St James’s Palace.
One guest, mathematician Sir Michael Atiyah, told him he was sorry to hear he was standing down.
“Well, I can’t stand up much longer,” Philip fired back.
Earlier, as he opened a new £25million stand at Lord’s cricket ground, he paused with his hand on a curtain cord and announced: “You’re about to see the world’s most experienced plaque unveiler.”
He will be 96 when he quits in August and aides said he is now looking forward to “finally” putting his feet up.
But he is expected to attend the occasional event alongside the 91-yearold Queen, who will continue her full programme of engagements.
Last year, Philip fulfilled more official engagements in the UK than William, Kate and Harry put together.
The Palace statement on his decision
read: “His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has decided that he will no longer carry out public engagements from the autumn of this year.
“In taking this decision, the duke has the full support of the Queen.
“Prince Philip will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August, both individually and accompanying 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.”
One aide said: “This is not a decision taken for medical reasons. The duke decided this is the right time; most people will have retired 30 years earlier.”
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum yesterday.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon praised the duke’s “healthy sense of humour” and thanked him for his work in Scotland.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “His Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme has inspired young people for more than 60 years in over 140 nations.”
PM Theresa May offered the country’s “deepest gratitude and good wishes”.