Prince Philip is to retire from all royal public duties from autumn of this year, it has been confirmed.
Buckingham Palace released a statement this morning saying the Duke of Edinburgh, who turns 96 next month, has the “full support of The Queen” in his decision.
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The statement began: “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.”
It stated that while he will attend “previously scheduled engagements between now and August” he will not accept any new invitations after that.
They did add that “he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time.”
The Queen will continue to carry out all her official engagements though.
Speculation was rife earlier this morning when it was revealed the Queen’s entire household staff were summoned to a “highly unusual” emergency meeting at Buckingham Palace.
As reports emerged, onliners speculated that perhaps either HRH Elizabeth II or the Duke of Edinburgh were gravely ill or may have even died.
There were even rumours that the flag at the Palace was at half mast, which would suggest that there had been a death. Though this was later proved incorrect.
It was also been reported that “unusual vehicles” were seen driving into the palace.
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According to the MailOnline staff from royal residences across the country were ordered to London last night and to be addressed this morning by the Lord Chamberlain, the most senior officer of the Royal Household, as well as Her Majesty’s right-hand man, Private Secretary Sir Christopher Geidt.
“Everyone is on tenterhooks,” said a palace source.
“Although meetings involving the entire royal household are occasionally called, the way this has been done at the eleventh hour is highly unusual and suggests that there is something major to be disseminated.”
As well as rumours about The Queen and Prince Philip’s health, some speculated that the announcement was to be engagement news for Prince Harry and girlfriend Meghan Markle.