The Duke of Edinburgh will "no longer" carry out any public engagements this year.
The 95-year-old royal has decided to opt out of all appearances "from the autumn" this year and will not accept any new invites or visitation requests during the latter part of the year, although he will remain committed to the engagements he has lined up from now until that period.
An official announcement regarding the Royal Knight of the Garter was shared on the Royal.uk website, which 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."
However, Philip – who was born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark – is still allowed to attend "certain public events from time to time" in the autumn if he chooses to.
The statement continued: "Although he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time."
And Philip – who has Prince Charles, 68, Prince Andrew, 57, Prince Edward, 53, and 66-year-old daughter Princess Anne with Queen Elizabeth II – is set to have the "full support" of his spouse of almost 70 years, although the monarch will continue with the "full programme of official engagements".
The statement added: "The Duke has the full support of The Queen.
"Her Majesty will continue to carry out a full programme of official engagements with the support of members of the Royal Family."
Although Philip will be reducing his public appearances he will still hold his titles as being the Patron of almost 800 organisations, including patron of The Work Foundation.
The statement states: "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."
This news comes after the Queen’s entire staff were called to attend an emergency meeting on Thursday (04.05.17) morning.
Courtiers from royal residences across the country – including the Balmoral estate in Scotland, South East England’s Windsor Castle and Sandringham in Norfolk, East England – were summoned to a special "all-staff" gathering at Buckingham Palace in London, where they were addressed by the Lord Chamberlain and the queen’s Private Secretary Sir Christopher Geidt.
However, it is unclear whether this decision comes in response to concerns regarding the health of Philip.
The Duke of Edinburgh to retire from royal duties
