Prince Philip joked about retirement as he attended the Queen’s first garden party of the season on Tuesday (16.05.17).
The Duke of Edinburgh announced earlier this month that he would no longer be carrying out public engagements from the autumn and has since been joking about retirement from his royal duties.
Peter Chapman-Andrews, who met Prince Philip at the party, said: "We talked about the fact I’ve recently retired and he asked me what I was going to do now. And my wife said ‘as little as possible’ and we had a laugh at that."
The Duke’s decision was announced in an official statement released by the Palace.
It 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 programme of official engagements with the support of members of the Royal Family."
Prince Philip had previously joked about his retirement.
When one guest said: "I’m sorry to hear you are standing down."
Philip, who is known for his witty remarks over the years, is said to have replied: "Well, I can’t stand up much longer."
Prince Philip jokes about retirement
