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Prince Philip retiring from public life

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff,
Publish Date
Thu, 4 May 2017, 9:14PM

Prince Philip retiring from public life

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff,
Publish Date
Thu, 4 May 2017, 9:14PM

UPDATED 9.32PM: Britain's Prince Philip, who is 95, will no longer carry out public engagements from autumn of this year, Buckingham Palace has announced.

The Palace said in a statement it was the Duke of Edinburgh's decision taken with the support of the Queen, his wife.

The statement read: "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. 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 program of official engagements with the support of members of the Royal Family."

Staff from all royal residences across the UK had been summoned to a meeting at Buckingham Palace, in a move billed as "highly unusual" by royal watchers and leading to speculation there had been a death.

The palace's press office refused to comment, fueling the rumour.

 

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