Prince Philip made an effort to speak to all the guests at a charity lunch, just 48 hours before announcing his retirement.
The 95-year-old royal revealed on Thursday (04.05.17) he is stepping down from public engagements later this year, and Florida historian and speaker Harvey Oyer III was very glad he decided to attend a function for the Duke of Edinburgh International Award foundation on Tuesday (02.05.17), as it is expected to be the prince’s final official duty as the organisation’s head.
Harvey – who attended the event with his sister, Susan Oyer – said: "I’m glad I made the effort to attend. I flew home and now it’s world news."
Harvey – who has met Philip a number of times in the 10 years he’s been involved with the foundation – said the royal seemed strong and healthy, and spent time with all 25-30 attendees at the luncheon.
He added to the Palm Beach Daily News: "It was a sincere honour and privilege to have lunch with him 48 hours before the palace announced that he stepped down from all of his official duties."
Another Florida resident, former MP John Browne, recalled playing polo with Philip in the 1960s, when he was a Grenadier Guards major and the prince was a captain.
He said: "When we played polo together, he was ultra fit — far fitter than I was, and I was younger."
And John believes Philip’s strength and good health has helped him remain an active part of public life and a charity supporter for so long.
He said: "He’s not just a figurehead.
"He was an extremely active man and that reflected in his attention to detail and his support of charities.
"It’s really quite an outstanding record. Prince Philip played a major role in adapting the monarchy to the 20th and 21st centuries."
Prince Philip was active at charity lunch
