Duke bows out of public eye with marines event

Final royal event will see him meet many of those taking part in gruelling trek

The Duke of Edinburgh will meet Royal Marines today who have completed a mammoth 1,664 mile trek – his final official royal event before he retires from public engagements.

In the grounds of Buckingham Palace Philip will celebrate the achievements of servicemen who have taken part in the 1664 Global Challenge, a series of strength and endurance feats raising funds and awareness for the Royal Marines Charity.

The Queen’s Consort announced in May he would be retiring from royal engagements after more than 65 years.

Despite his age of 96, Philip’s decision came as a surprise as he still appeared to relish meeting people and carrying out his public role.

The Duke is known for his quips and over the past few months has been joking about his impending retirement, even telling celebrity cook Prue Leith at a Palace event “I’m discovering what it’s like to be on your last legs”.

Buckingham Palace has stressed he may decide to attend certain events, alongside the Queen from time to time.

Her public schedule continues as normal but other members of the Royal Family will step up in support.

In his role as captain general of the Royal Marines, Philip will attend a parade to mark the finale of the 1664 Global Challenge.

His association with them dates back 64 years to June 2 1953 when he was appointed captain general in succession to the late King George VI.

The challenge, which recognises the year 1664 when the corps was founded, has seen Royal Marines all over the world raising money for the military unit’s charity with a number of ingenious feats.

The 1,664-mile running challenge began in Plymouth on April 25 with marines running 16.64 miles a day for 100 days, the gruelling trek due to end at Buckingham Palace today.

The Duke will meet some of the runners, including two who have completed the entire distance.

Royal Marines from around the globe have also been taking part in extreme events, including a 34-mile swim underwater and lifting more than 20,000 tonnes and running 10,000 kilometres.

During the event Philip will also meet veterans and cadets before receiving the 1664 Global Challenge baton.

The parade will end with a march past, a royal salute and three cheers for the captain general.

In 2014, to mark the corps’ 350th anniversary, the Duke wore his full ceremonial uniform to the state opening of parliament.

Picture: PA. The Duke of Edinburgh, seen with his wife the Queen, attends his final royal public engagement today.