The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Prince Philip retires at 95.
The Duke of Edinburgh has decided to step down from public duties after 65 years supporting the Queen
The Duke of Edinburgh’s decision to step down from public duties has been met with tributes praising his contribution to national life – and a lighthearted quip from Philip himself.
The Queen’s consort will retire from royal engagements in the autumn after more than 65 years supporting the Queen in her role as head of state and attending events for his own charities and organisations.
Despite being 95, Philip’s decision, which is fully supported by the Queen and is not medically related, came as a surprise as he still has a busy official diary and appears to relish meeting the public.
Prime Minister Theresa May led the tributes to the Queen’s consort, saying he has given the monarch “steadfast support”, while Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the Duke’s “clear sense of public duty” had inspired people for more than 60 years.
In a statement issued by Downing Street, Mrs May said: “From his steadfast support for Her Majesty the Queen to his inspirational Duke of Edinburgh Awards and his patronage of hundreds of charities and good causes, his contribution to our United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the wider world will be of huge benefit to us all for years to come.”
A royal aide said of the duke: “He’s looking forward to enjoying more of his leisure time.”
Philip saw the funny side of the announcement when he met mathematician Sir Michael Atiyah at a reception for members of the Order of Merit at St James’s Palace.
When Sir Michael, who is 88, said to him: “I’m sorry to hear you’re standing down,” the duke joked: “Well I can’t stand up much longer”.
The Queen’s public schedule will continue as normal but it is understood other members of the royal family will “step up” in support of the monarch.
The royal aide added: “This is not a decision taken for medical reasons. The duke decided this is the right time; he’s nearly 96 and most people will have retired 30 years earlier.”
It is understood the duke had been thinking about stepping down from public duties over the past few months and took the decision to make the announcement now as his diary for the autumn would have been finalised during this period.
But Buckingham Palace stressed he may decide to attend certain events from time to time.
The palace said in a statement: “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.
“The Duke of Edinburgh is patron, president or a member of over 780 organisations, with which he will continue to be associated, although he will no longer play an active role by attending engagements.
“Her Majesty will continue to carry out a full programme of official engagements with the support of members of the royal family.”
He’s looking forward to enjoying more of his leisure time. ROYAL AIDE
The “retirement” of the Prince Philip will be keenly felt. He has been a dependable companion to the Queen for decades, giving up a naval career to be by her side and happy to largely remain in the background.
When he has come to the fore, it is often for unguarded comments of questionable taste but it should be remembered he has, through the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and other charitable works, transformed lives. He deserves a rest.