Prince Philip has revealed his passion for carriage racing.
The 96-year-old royal will step down from royal duties later this year, but he shows now signs of slowing up when it comes to his love of riding horse carriages.
In his first interview since he confirmed he’s retirement, he told ITV news: "I started driving because I’d been playing polo, and I decided I’d give up polo when I was 50.
"I was looking round to see what next, I didn’t know what there was available.
"And I suddenly thought, well, we’ve got horses and carriages so I thought why don’t I have a go."
The Duke of Edinburgh joked about how he came last once when he competed in the European Championships for the sport.
He recalled: "And the second competition I ever took part in was the European Championships. I came in not quite last, but very nearly."
Philip was full of jokes when he announced his retirement last week.
Making light of the news, he quipped that he is standing down because he can no longer stand up.
A guest at St James’s Palace said: "I’m sorry to hear you are standing down."
And Philip, who is known for his witty remarks, is believed to have replied: "Well, I can’t stand up much longer."
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 loves carriage racing
