Duke of Edinburgh carries out first official engagement following operation The Duke of Edinburgh has carried out his first official engagement in nearly two months, saying it was a "great pleasure to be back in circulation." It is the first time he has been seen in public following an operation and period of convalescence. Philip, 92, handed out medals at the Royal Society of Edinburgh to Professor Sir John Cadogan, Professor Michael Ferguson and Sir Ian Wood. The Duke has been an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh since 1951. The Queen is the patron of the society while the Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal are Honorary Fellows like the Duke. Following abdominal investigations, the Duke was admitted to the London Clinic on June 6 for a pre-arranged operation which was carried out the next day. He was discharged 11 days later when he was said to be in "good condition and good spirits," and has been recuperating. Philip told an audience of invited guests that it was "a great pleasure to be back in circulation" at the end of the ceremony.