The duke steps down

Prince Philip  marks end of 70 years of public service

The 95-year-old Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip to step down from public engagements in autumn, marking the end of 70 years of public service, according to Buckingham Palace. The decision taken with the full support of the Queen was not due to any deterioration in his health, courtiers said.

The Queen will continue to carry out her full programme of official engagements with the support of her heir-Prince Charles, his sons William and Harry and the rest of the Royal family. The prince once described the monarch as her “strength and stay” will not be accepting any new invitations for visits or engagements, between now and August. The Duke of Edinburgh is a patron, president or a member of 780 organisations, with which he will continue to be associated, although he will no longer play an active role by attending engagements.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said, “ On behalf of the whole country, I want to offer our deepest gratitude and good wishes to His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh following today’s announcement that he will stand down from public duties in the autumn”.