Prince Philip began his final ceremonial engagement by welcoming Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia to London yesterday (12.07.17).
The Duke of Edinburgh, 96, has two further engagements left in his calendar ahead of his retirement from royal duties in the autumn, and he was on fine form on Wednesday in what is rumoured to be his final ceremonial commitment.
Philip accompanied Letizia, 44, in a horse-drawn carriage which travelled along Horse Guards Parade towards Buckingham Palace.
He seemed to be in great spirits as he appeared to make some jokes during their transit, and was spotted pointing things out to the brunette royal.
The duke has to attend the Annual Meeting at the Royal Geographical Society next week and a reception at Canada House.
Following the announcement of his retirement, a Buckingham Palace statement said: "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 programme of official engagements with the support of members of the Royal Family."
Philip was admitted to hospital last month as a "precautionary measure" after an infection related to a "pre-existing condition" re-surfaced, but left the medical facility two days later.
Prince Philip in ‘final ceremonial engagement’
