Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, 95-year-old Queen Elizabeth II’s UK spouse, will retire from royal duties early this fall.
The news was announced today by the Royal Palace during an emergency meeting of the royal staff.
“Prince Philip will attend pre-planned engagements in August, both individually and in accompanying the Queen, but afterwards, The Duke will not accept new invitations, even though he may choose to personally participate in any certain activities,”said the Royal Palace spokesman.
Prince Philip’s decision, at the same time the Duke of Edinburgh, was taken from him personally and with Queen Elizabeth’s support.
All royal duties of the prince, from September, will be passed on to the oldest British monarch.
British media reports that such news was expected for a while since Prince Philip’s health had worsened in recent months. Today’s announcement came an hour after the news that an extraordinary meeting of all staff was organized at the Royal Palace, sparking a storm of speculation in the media believing that one of the old royal family members had passed away.
Some of the UK’s most clicked newspapers published the news with the title “Prince Philip passes away at 95,” but they were soon removed as the official announcement from the Royal Palace was made public.
Prince Philip, who turns 96 next month, has suffered from a number of illnesses in recent years.
Queen Elizabeth is generally believed to be in good health. She still attends to about 300 official events every year.
