The Duke of Edinburgh has joked he has retired from royal duties because he "can’t stand up" anymore.
The 95-year-old royal announced he was stepping down from the autumn of this year and will no longer carry out any public engagements on Thursday (04.05.17), but Prince Philip has made light of the news and has quipped he is standing down because he can no longer stand up, the Evening Standard Online has reported.
One guest who visited St James’s Palace yesterday said: "I’m sorry to hear you are standing down."
And Philip, who is known for his witty remarks over the years, is believed to have replied: "Well, I can’t stand up much longer."
Despite the decision Philip was still in good spirit following the declaration and carried on his day by accompanying his wife Queen Elizabeth II to an Order of the Merit service.
Although Philip will not accept any new invites or visitation requests during the latter part of the year, he will remain committed to the engagements he has lined up from now until that period, and could attend "certain public events from time to time" if he chooses to.
The official announcement regarding the Royal Knight of the Garter states: "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.
"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."
Prince Philip jokes about his decision to retire
