Prince Philip retires: Queen Elizabeth's husband bows out of public life

Updated

For more than 65 years, he has been the unwavering presence alongside the world's longest-reigning living monarch, the consummate consort and royal representative.

Now Prince Philip, 96, has completed his 22,219th and final solo public engagement, braving pouring rain to meet Royal Marines at Buckingham Palace.

The Duke of Edinburgh appeared in good spirits, waving to cheering crowds holding Union Jack umbrellas.

Inside the palace gates he joked with the soldiers, who had completed 2,678 kilometre trek to raise money for charity.

"You all should be locked up," quipped the Prince, who is known for his sense of humour and off-colour gaffes.

Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth, watched as a unit of marines marched past him in formation in a ceremonial procedure known as taking the salute.

Afterwards, the soldiers let out three cheers for the Prince, with one more coming from a watching crowd behind.

As the band played For He's a Jolly Good Fellow, Philip lifted his hat and gave a rare wave — perhaps a sign that he too accepted the significance of the moment.

Philip has been Captain General of the marines since 1953, and has a personal connection with the Royal Navy after serving with the force in World War II.

He announced he was stepping down from public duties in May.

The Royal recently joked about his big retirement day, telling celebrity chef Prue Leith: "I'm discovering what it's like to be on your last legs."

A Royal career in numbers Solo engagements - 22,219

Solo overseas visits - 637

Speeches given – 5,496

Patronages – 785 organisations

Presentation of colours – 54

Service appointments – 32

Books authored – 14

Philip has given 5,496 speeches, written 14 books and gone on 637 solo visits overseas.

He has championed environmental and conservation issues, and has interests in science, engineering and industry.

He is a patron, president or a member of over 780 organisations. He will continue to be associated with them, but will not play an active role by attending engagements.

While he has enjoyed overall good health, Philip has been admitted to the hospital on a number of occasions in the past few years for abdominal surgery, bladder infections and a blocked coronary artery.

'Consort of the Year'

Philip has poked fun at himself and his advancing years. In a letter to The Oldie magazine in 2011, he said he appreciated being named "Consort of the Year".

"There is nothing like it for morale to be reminded that the years are passing ever more quickly, and that bits are beginning to drop off the ancient frame," he wrote.

"But it is nice to be remembered at all."

The palace has said his health was not behind the retirement decision.

The Queen, the world's longest-reigning living monarch who celebrated her 91st birthday in April, will continue to carry out a full program of official engagements.

Philip, described by Elizabeth as "my strength and stay", will still appear at her side from time to time.

AP/Reuters

Topics: royal-and-imperial-matters, human-interest, england, united-kingdom

First posted</s>LONDON | For over 65 years, he has been the unwavering presence alongside Britain’s longest-serving monarch, the consummate consort and royal representative.

On Wednesday Prince Philip will make his 22,219th — and final — solo public engagement. He will be meeting Royal Marines who have completed a 1,664-mile (2,678-kilometer) trek to raise money for charity.

After that, the Duke of Edinburgh will still appear at Queen Elizabeth II’s side — from time to time — as the 91-year-old monarch soldiers on. In the meantime, the man known for his quips and gaffes has already been joking about his big retirement day.

FILE - In this Oct. 17, 1957 file photo President Dwight Eisenhower and first lady Mamie are flanked by their royal guests, Britain's Queen Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, at the White House. Queen Elizabeth II's husband, Prince Philip, will stop carrying out public engagements this fall, Buckingham Palace announced Thursday May 4, 2017. (AP Photo, File) FILE - In this Wednesday, May 9, 2012 file photo Britain's Queen Elizabeth II sits next to Prince Philip in the House of Lords as she waits to read the Queen's Speech to lawmakers in London. Britain's Prince Philip on Wednesday Aug. 2, 2017 retires from solo official duties. Over the decades he has become renowned for his stalwart support of his wife, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File) FILE - In this June 20, 1959 file photo Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip are pictured in Schefferville, as they listen to explanation on workings of an iron ore mine on another stop in their royal tour of Canada. Britain's Prince Philip on Wednesday Aug. 2, 2017 retires from solo official duties. Over the decades he has become renowned for his stalwart support of his wife, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo, File) FILE - In this Thursday, June, 16, 2011 file photo Britain's Queen Elizabeth II with Prince Philip arrive by horse drawn carriage in the parade ring on the third day, traditionally known as Ladies Day, of the Royal Ascot horse race meeting at Ascot, England. Britain's Prince Philip on Wednesday Aug. 2, 2017 retires from solo official duties. Over the decades he has become renowned for his stalwart support of his wife, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File) FILE - In this 1930 file photo Prince Philip of Greece, now the Duke of Edinburgh, and husband of Queen Elizabeth II, poses in Greek costume, at an unknown location. Britain's Prince Philip on Wednesday Aug. 2, 2017 retires from solo official duties. Over the decades he has become renowned for his stalwart support of his wife, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo, File) FILE - This is a June. 2, 1953 file photo of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as they wave to supporters from the balcony at Buckingham Palace, following her coronation at Westminster Abbey. London. At the age of 96, Britain's Prince Philip on Wednesday Aug. 2, 2017 retires from solo official duties. Over the decades he has become renowned for his stalwart support of his wife, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/Leslie Priest, File) FILE - In this Aug. 1951 file photo then Princess Elizabeth stands with her husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, and their children Prince Charles and Princess Anne at the couple's London residence at Clarence House. Britain's Prince Philip on Wednesday Aug. 2, 2017 retires from solo official duties. Over the decades he has become renowned for his stalwart support of his wife, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo, File)

“I’m discovering what it’s like to be on your last legs,” the 96-year-old Philip told celebrity chef Prue Leith at a recent palace event.

Philip is patron, president or a member of over 780 organizations, with which he will continue to be associated — but he won’t play an active role by attending engagements. The queen supported the decision, which was greeted with an international press flurry when it was announced in May.

The occasion marks a major landmark for the man born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark in Corfu on June 10, 1921, to Princess Alice of Battenberg and Prince Andrew of Greece. Amid the upheaval of the military coup that overthrew his uncle, King Constantine, in 1922, the family fled.

King George V, the queen’s grandfather, sent a Royal Navy cruiser to evacuate Philip’s family and he was whisked to safety in a cot made from an orange box. Later, he rarely saw his parents and went to school in Germany and Britain.

Philip has had a long association with the military and had once had promising military career. He joined the Royal Navy as a cadet in 1939 and served during World War II, winning mention in dispatches for service aboard the battleship HMS Valiant at Cape Matapan, on Greece’s Peloponnesian peninsula. He rose to the level of commander.

Two years after the war ended, Philip married the future queen at Westminster Abbey when she was 21 and he was 26. He renounced his Greek title and King George VI made him the Duke of Edinburgh. His career came to an abrupt end with George’s death in 1952. At the queen’s coronation in 1953, Philip swore to be his wife’s “liege man of life and limb.” He settled into a life supporting Elizabeth in her role as queen and they had four children — Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward.

And ever since, the milestones just kept falling.

Philip has given 5,496 speeches, written 14 books and gone on 637 solo visits overseas.

He’s championed environmental and conservation issues, and has interests in science, engineering and industry. An accomplished sportsman, he played polo regularly until 1971. He earned his RAF wings in 1953, his helicopter wings in 1956 and his private pilot’s license in 1959.

All that activity has led to overall good health. But Philip has been admitted to the hospital on a number of occasions in the last few years for abdominal surgery, bladder infections and a blocked coronary artery.

Many of his health issues are related to sports. He has arthritis in his right wrist and broke a bone in his ankle from playing polo. He developed a rheumatic condition of the tendon in the hand after a taking a fall in polo.

He takes the stairs rather than elevators and can still fit into the uniform he wore for his wedding. He was only seen wearing hearing aids for the first time at a palace reception in 2014 at the age of 93.

The palace says his health wasn’t behind the retirement decision.

Philip, who enjoys a slightly wicked turn of phrase, has poked fun at himself and his advancing years. In a letter to The Oldie magazine in 2011, he said he appreciated being named “Consort of the Year.”

“There is nothing like it for morale to be reminded that the years are passing — ever more quickly — and that bits are beginning to drop off the ancient frame,” he wrote. “But it is nice to be remembered at all.”</s>LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 2: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in his role as Captain General, Royal Marines, attends a parade to mark the finale of the 1664 Global Challenge, on the Buckingham Palace Forecourt on August 2, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Hannah McKay - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 2: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (R) in his role as Captain General, Royal Marines, makes his final individual public engagement as he attends a parade to mark the finale of the 1664 Global Challenge, on the Buckingham Palace Forecourt on August 2, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 2: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in his role as Captain General, Royal Marines, makes his final individual public engagement as he attends a parade to mark the finale of the 1664 Global Challenge, on the Buckingham Palace Forecourt on August 2, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 2: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in his role as Captain General, Royal Marines, makes his final individual public engagement as he attends a parade to mark the finale of the 1664 Global Challenge, on the Buckingham Palace Forecourt on August 2, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 2: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in his role as Captain General, Royal Marines, makes his final individual public engagement as he attends a parade to mark the finale of the 1664 Global Challenge, on the Buckingham Palace Forecourt on August 2, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Onlookers watch as Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in his role as Captain General, Royal Marines, attends a Parade to mark the finale of the 1664 Global Challenge on the Buckingham Palace Forecourt in central London on August 2, 2017. After a lifetime of public service by the side of his wife Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip finally retires on August 2, 2017,at the age of 96. The Duke of Edinburgh attended a parade of Royal Marines at Buckingham Palace, the last of 22,219 solo public engagements since she ascended to the throne in 1952. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / HANNAH MCKAYHANNAH MCKAY/AFP/Getty Images

Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in his role as Captain General, Royal Marines, attends a Parade to mark the finale of the 1664 Global Challenge on the Buckingham Palace Forecourt in central London on August 2, 2017. After a lifetime of public service by the side of his wife Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip finally retires on August 2, 2017,at the age of 96. The Duke of Edinburgh attended a parade of Royal Marines at Buckingham Palace, the last of 22,219 solo public engagements since she ascended to the throne in 1952. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / HANNAH MCKAYHANNAH MCKAY/AFP/Getty Images

Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in his role as Captain General, Royal Marines, attends a Parade to mark the finale of the 1664 Global Challenge on the Buckingham Palace Forecourt in central London on August 2, 2017. After a lifetime of public service by the side of his wife Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip finally retires on August 2, 2017,at the age of 96. The Duke of Edinburgh attended a parade of Royal Marines at Buckingham Palace, the last of 22,219 solo public engagements since she ascended to the throne in 1952. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / HANNAH MCKAYHANNAH MCKAY/AFP/Getty Images

Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in his role as Captain General, Royal Marines, attends a Parade to mark the finale of the 1664 Global Challenge on the Buckingham Palace Forecourt in central London on August 2, 2017. After a lifetime of public service by the side of his wife Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip finally retires on August 2, 2017,at the age of 96. The Duke of Edinburgh attended a parade of Royal Marines at Buckingham Palace, the last of 22,219 solo public engagements since she ascended to the throne in 1952. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / HANNAH MCKAYHANNAH MCKAY/AFP/Getty Images

Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in his role as Captain General, Royal Marines, attends a Parade to mark the finale of the 1664 Global Challenge on the Buckingham Palace Forecourt in central London on August 2, 2017. After a lifetime of public service by the side of his wife Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip finally retires on August 2, 2017,at the age of 96. The Duke of Edinburgh attended a parade of Royal Marines at Buckingham Palace, the last of 22,219 solo public engagements since she ascended to the throne in 1952. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / HANNAH MCKAYHANNAH MCKAY/AFP/Getty Images

FILE: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh To Step Down From Royal Duties LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 03: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh speaks to John Stephenson as he opens the new Warner Stand at Lord's Cricket Ground on May 3, 2017 in London, England. The Duke of Edinburgh is an honorary Life Member of Marylebone Cricket Club. (Photo by Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool /Getty Images)

FILE - In this Wednesday, May 9, 2012 file photo Britain's Queen Elizabeth II sits next to Prince Philip in the House of Lords as she waits to read the Queen's Speech to lawmakers in London. Queen Elizabeth II's husband, Prince Philip, will stop carrying out public engagements this fall, Buckingham Palace announced Thursday May 4, 2017. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File) ORG XMIT: LTH124

FILE - In this Oct. 17, 1957 file photo President Dwight Eisenhower and first lady Mamie are flanked by their royal guests, Britain's Queen Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, at the White House. Queen Elizabeth II's husband, Prince Philip, will stop carrying out public engagements this fall, Buckingham Palace announced Thursday May 4, 2017. (AP Photo, File) ORG XMIT: LTH118

FILE - In this Saturday, June 11, 2016 file photo Britain's Queen Elizabeth II waves as she watches the flypast, with Prince Philip, right, Prince William, centre, his son Prince George, front, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge holding Princess Charlotte, centre left, The Prince of Wales, third left, The Duchess of Cornwall , second left, and Princess Anne on the balcony during the Trooping The Colour parade at Buckingham Palace, in London. Queen Elizabeth II's husband, Prince Philip, will stop carrying out public engagements this fall, Buckingham Palace announced Thursday May 4, 2017. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland, File) ORG XMIT: LTH115

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip attend a reception at Government House in Ottawa, July 1, 1967. News of Prince Philip's retirement from public life has sparked fond memories of his glamour and gaffes as Canadian royal watchers recall the visits of a man who transitioned from rebellious modern monarch to royal elder statesman while staunchly supporting dozens of causes.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Lynn Ball ORG XMIT: CPT121

Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, points as he talks with Queen Elizabeth II during Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday July 1, 2010. News of Prince Philip's retirement from public life has sparked fond memories of his glamour and gaffes as Canadian royal watchers recall the visits of a man who transitioned from rebellious modern monarch to royal elder statesman while staunchly supporting dozens of causes.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick ORG XMIT: CPT119

Britain's Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh speaks to guests after attending the Order of Merit service at Chapel Royal in St James's Palace, London, Thursday May 4, 2017. ?Prince Philip, the consort known for his constant support of his wife Queen Elizabeth II as well as for his occasional gaffes, will retire from royal duties this fall, Buckingham Palace said Thursday. (John Stillwell/Pool Photo via AP) ORG XMIT: LON118

FILE- May 4: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh is to retire from public duties in the Autumn WINDSOR, UNITED KINGDOM - APRIL 04: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Patron of the Britain-Australia Society, presents Kylie Minogue with the Britain-Australia Society Award for 2016 during a private audience in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle on April 4, 2017 in Windsor, United Kingdom.. The Britain-Australia Award recognises Australian and British individuals who have made a significant contribution to the Australia-UK bilateral relationship. Past recipients include Barry Humphries, and the Rt Hon Lord Hague PC. (Photo by Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

FILE- May 4: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh is to retire from public duties in the Autumn EDINBURGH, UNITED KINGDOM - JULY 16: Prince Phillip, The Duke of Edinburgh attends the Presentation Receptions for The Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award holders,on July 16, 2010 at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Since 1958 The Duke of Edinburgh Awards has challenged over six million young people around the world to try new things, learn more about themselves and work together for their own benefit and that of their local communities. (Photo by Danny Lawson - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Wednesday April 27, 2011 Page F3 ROYAL QUIZ- Q14 - Queen Elizabeth II, as Princess Elizabeth, and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh, styled Prince Philip in 1957, on their wedding day. She became queen on her father King George VI's death in 1952. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: POS2017050322223262

LONDON — For over 65 years, he has been the unwavering presence alongside Britain’s longest-serving monarch, the consummate consort and royal representative.

On Wednesday Prince Philip, 96, made his 22,219th — and final — solo public engagement, braving heavy rain to meet Royal Marines at Buckingham Palace.

The royal appeared in good spirits, waving to cheering crowds and joking with the soldiers, who have completed a 1,664-mile (2,678-kilometre) trek to raise money for charity.

“You all should be locked up,” he quipped, making the soldiers laugh.

Philip announced he was stepping down from public duties in May. The royal, known for his sense of humour and gaffes, recently joked about his big retirement day, telling celebrity chef Prue Leith: “I’m discovering what it’s like to be on your last legs.”

Also known as the Duke of Edinburgh, he will still appear at Queen Elizabeth II’s side — from time to time — as the 91-year-old monarch soldiers on.

Philip is patron, president or a member of over 780 organizations, with which he will continue to be associated — but he won’t play an active role by attending engagements. The queen supported the decision.

Wednesday’s event marks a major landmark for the man born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark in Corfu on June 10, 1921, to Princess Alice of Battenberg and Prince Andrew of Greece. Amid the upheaval of the military coup that overthrew his uncle, King Constantine, in 1922, the family fled.

King George V, the queen’s grandfather, sent a Royal Navy cruiser to evacuate Philip’s family and he was whisked to safety in a cot made from an orange box. Later, he rarely saw his parents and went to school in Germany and Britain.

Philip has had a long association with the military and had once had promising military career. He joined the Royal Navy as a cadet in 1939 and served during World War II, winning mention in dispatches for service aboard the battleship HMS Valiant at Cape Matapan, on Greece’s Peloponnesian peninsula. He rose to the level of commander.

Two years after the war ended, Philip married the future queen at Westminster Abbey when she was 21 and he was 26. He renounced his Greek title and King George VI made him the Duke of Edinburgh. His career came to an abrupt end with George’s death in 1952. At the queen’s coronation in 1953, Philip swore to be his wife’s “liege man of life and limb.” He settled into a life supporting Elizabeth in her role as queen and they had four children — Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward.

Philip has given 5,496 speeches, written 14 books and gone on 637 solo visits overseas.

He’s championed environmental and conservation issues, and has interests in science, engineering and industry. An accomplished sportsman, he played polo regularly until 1971. He earned his RAF wings in 1953, his helicopter wings in 1956 and his private pilot’s license in 1959.

All that activity has led to overall good health. But Philip has been admitted to the hospital on a number of occasions in the last few years for abdominal surgery, bladder infections and a blocked coronary artery.

Many of his health issues are related to sports. He has arthritis in his right wrist and broke a bone in his ankle from playing polo. He developed a rheumatic condition of the tendon in the hand after a taking a fall in polo.

He takes the stairs rather than elevators and can still fit into the uniform he wore for his wedding. He was only seen wearing hearing aids for the first time at a palace reception in 2014 at the age of 93.

The palace says his health wasn’t behind the retirement decision.

Philip, who enjoys a slightly wicked turn of phrase, has poked fun at himself and his advancing years. In a letter to The Oldie magazine in 2011, he said he appreciated being named “Consort of the Year.”

“There is nothing like it for morale to be reminded that the years are passing — ever more quickly — and that bits are beginning to drop off the ancient frame,” he wrote. “But it is nice to be remembered at all.”</s>Britain’s Queen Elizabeth’s husband Prince Philip retired from public life on Wednesday after a solo appearance at an official event, Reuters reported. Ninety-six-year-old Philip, also known as the Duke of Edinburgh, met the British Navy personnel before he retired, BBC reported.

The Buckingham Palace, however, said that Philip may attend certain events alongside the Queen in future. Philip had announced his retirement in May this year. “I can’t stand up much,” Philip had told a guest at the event on the day of the announcement.

Philip, who is Captain General of the Royal Marines, on Wednesday attended a parade marking the 1664 Global Challenge - a series of strength challenges for charitable causes. He met servicemen who had taken part in a 2,678-km trek. Philip had completed 22,219 solo engagements since 1952, when his wife became the Queen of Britain, according to BBC.</s>LONDON (AP) - At the age of 96, Britain's Prince Philip is retiring from solo official duties. Over the decades he has become renowned for his stalwart support of his wife, Queen Elizabeth II - and his blunt and sometimes offensive remarks. Here are a few of his memorable quotes:

"What do you gargle with, pebbles?" - to singer Tom Jones.

FILE - In this Thursday, June, 16, 2011 file photo Britain's Queen Elizabeth II with Prince Philip arrive by horse drawn carriage in the parade ring on the third day, traditionally known as Ladies Day, of the Royal Ascot horse race meeting at Ascot, England. Britain's Prince Philip on Wednesday Aug. 2, 2017 retires from solo official duties. Over the decades he has become renowned for his stalwart support of his wife, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)

"I declare this thing open, whatever it is" - on a visit to Canada.

"Oh no, I might catch some ghastly disease" - when asked to stroke a koala in Australia.

"How do you keep the natives off the booze long enough to pass the test?" - to a Scottish driving instructor.

"It's a vast waste of space" - at a reception for the opening of the new British Embassy in Berlin.

"Do you have a pair of knickers made out of this?"- pointing to a tartan and addressing Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie at a papal reception in Edinburgh.

FILE - In this Tuesday, April 9, 2002 file photo members of Britain's Royal family follow the coffin of the Queen Mother , en route to her funeral in Westminster Abbey in London. They are from left: Prince Andrew, Prince Charles, Prince Philip, Princess Anne and Prince Edward.Britain's Prince Philip on Wednesday Aug. 2, 2017 retires from solo official duties. Over the decades he has become renowned for his stalwart support of his wife, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/Santiago Lyon, File)

FILE - In this Wednesday, May 9, 2012 file photo Britain's Queen Elizabeth II sits next to Prince Philip in the House of Lords as she waits to read the Queen's Speech to lawmakers in London. Britain's Prince Philip on Wednesday Aug. 2, 2017 retires from solo official duties. Over the decades he has become renowned for his stalwart support of his wife, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)

FILE - In this June 20, 1959 file photo Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip are pictured in Schefferville, as they listen to explanation on workings of an iron ore mine on another stop in their royal tour of Canada. Britain's Prince Philip on Wednesday Aug. 2, 2017 retires from solo official duties. Over the decades he has become renowned for his stalwart support of his wife, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo, File)

FILE - This is a June. 2, 1953 file photo of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as they wave to supporters from the balcony at Buckingham Palace, following her coronation at Westminster Abbey. London. At the age of 96, Britain's Prince Philip on Wednesday Aug. 2, 2017 retires from solo official duties. Over the decades he has become renowned for his stalwart support of his wife, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/Leslie Priest, File)</s>LONDON — For over 65 years, he has been the unwavering presence alongside Britain's longest-serving monarch, the consummate consort and royal representative.

On Wednesday Prince Philip will make his 22,219th — and final — solo public engagement. He will be meeting Royal Marines who have completed a 1,664-mile (2,678-kilometre) trek to raise money for charity.

After that, the Duke of Edinburgh will still appear at Queen Elizabeth II's side — from time to time — as the 91-year-old monarch soldiers on. In the meantime, the man known for his quips and gaffes has already been joking about his big retirement day.

"I'm discovering what it's like to be on your last legs," the 96-year-old Philip told celebrity chef Prue Leith at a recent palace event.

Philip is patron, president or a member of over 780 organizations, with which he will continue to be associated — but he won't play an active role by attending engagements. The queen supported the decision, which was greeted with an international press flurry when it was announced in May.

The occasion marks a major landmark for the man born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark in Corfu on June 10, 1921, to Princess Alice of Battenberg and Prince Andrew of Greece. Amid the upheaval of the military coup that overthrew his uncle, King Constantine, in 1922, the family fled.

King George V, the queen's grandfather, sent a Royal Navy cruiser to evacuate Philip's family and he was whisked to safety in a cot made from an orange box. Later, he rarely saw his parents and went to school in Germany and Britain.

Philip has had a long association with the military and had once had promising military career. He joined the Royal Navy as a cadet in 1939 and served during World War II, winning mention in dispatches for service aboard the battleship HMS Valiant at Cape Matapan, on Greece's Peloponnesian peninsula. He rose to the level of commander.

Two years after the war ended, Philip married the future queen at Westminster Abbey when she was 21 and he was 26. He renounced his Greek title and King George VI made him the Duke of Edinburgh. His career came to an abrupt end with George's death in 1952. At the queen's coronation in 1953, Philip swore to be his wife's "liege man of life and limb." He settled into a life supporting Elizabeth in her role as queen and they had four children — Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward.

And ever since, the milestones just kept falling.</s>LONDON — For over 65 years, he has been the unwavering presence alongside Britain’s longest-serving monarch, the consummate consort and royal representative.

On Wednesday Prince Philip will make his 22,219th — and final — solo public engagement. He will be meeting Royal Marines who have completed a 1,664-mile (2,678-kilometre) trek to raise money for charity.

After that, the Duke of Edinburgh will still appear at Queen Elizabeth II’s side — from time to time — as the 91-year-old monarch soldiers on. In the meantime, the man known for his quips and gaffes has already been joking about his big retirement day.

“I’m discovering what it’s like to be on your last legs,” the 96-year-old Philip told celebrity chef Prue Leith at a recent palace event.

Philip is patron, president or a member of over 780 organizations, with which he will continue to be associated — but he won’t play an active role by attending engagements. The queen supported the decision, which was greeted with an international press flurry when it was announced in May.

The occasion marks a major landmark for the man born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark in Corfu on June 10, 1921, to Princess Alice of Battenberg and Prince Andrew of Greece. Amid the upheaval of the military coup that overthrew his uncle, King Constantine, in 1922, the family fled.

King George V, the queen’s grandfather, sent a Royal Navy cruiser to evacuate Philip’s family and he was whisked to safety in a cot made from an orange box. Later, he rarely saw his parents and went to school in Germany and Britain.

Philip has had a long association with the military and had once had promising military career. He joined the Royal Navy as a cadet in 1939 and served during World War II, winning mention in dispatches for service aboard the battleship HMS Valiant at Cape Matapan, on Greece’s Peloponnesian peninsula. He rose to the level of commander.

Two years after the war ended, Philip married the future queen at Westminster Abbey when she was 21 and he was 26. He renounced his Greek title and King George VI made him the Duke of Edinburgh. His career came to an abrupt end with George’s death in 1952. At the queen’s coronation in 1953, Philip swore to be his wife’s “liege man of life and limb.” He settled into a life supporting Elizabeth in her role as queen and they had four children — Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward.

And ever since, the milestones just kept falling.

Philip has given 5,496 speeches, written 14 books and gone on 637 solo visits overseas.

He’s championed environmental and conservation issues, and has interests in science, engineering and industry. An accomplished sportsman, he played polo regularly until 1971. He earned his RAF wings in 1953, his helicopter wings in 1956 and his private pilot’s license in 1959.

All that activity has led to overall good health. But Philip has been admitted to the hospital on a number of occasions in the last few years for abdominal surgery, bladder infections and a blocked coronary artery.

Many of his health issues are related to sports. He has arthritis in his right wrist and broke a bone in his ankle from playing polo. He developed a rheumatic condition of the tendon in the hand after a taking a fall in polo.

He takes the stairs rather than elevators and can still fit into the uniform he wore for his wedding. He was only seen wearing hearing aids for the first time at a palace reception in 2014 at the age of 93.

The palace says his health wasn’t behind the retirement decision.

Philip, who enjoys a slightly wicked turn of phrase, has poked fun at himself and his advancing years. In a letter to The Oldie magazine in 2011, he said he appreciated being named “Consort of the Year.”

“There is nothing like it for morale to be reminded that the years are passing — ever more quickly — and that bits are beginning to drop off the ancient frame,” he wrote. “But it is nice to be remembered at all.”</s>Britain's Prince Philip, right, in his role as Captain General of the Royal Marines, attends a Parade on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, in central London, Wednesday Aug. 2, 2017. The 96-year-old husband of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip made his final solo appearance to mark the finale of the Royal Marines Charity, 1664 Global Challenge. (Hannah McKay / Pool via AP)

On Wednesday, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II officially retired after announcing plans to take a step back from his royal duties in May. In his career as a member of the royal family, Prince Philip has attended 22,219 solo engagements, made 637 overseas visits, given 5,496 speeches and authored 14 books.

Since 1952, The Duke has carried out 22,219 solo engagements, 637 solo overseas visits, given 5,496 speeches and authored 14 books. PA A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily) on

As captain general of the Royal Marines, Prince Philip attended a parade to pay tribute to the end of the 1664 Global Challenge at Buckingham Palace.

Today, The Duke of Edinburgh attended a parade to mark the finale of The 1664 Global Challenge at Buckingham Palace. @royalnavy Royal Marines from around the country ran 16.64 miles each day for 100 days, totalling a distance of 1664 miles, to raise funds and awareness for The @royalmarines Charity. The challenge also celebrates 1664 as the year in which the Corps was founded. Since 1952, The Duke of Edinburgh has attended 22,219 solo engagements. The Captain General's Parade at Buckingham Palace marks the end of his own programme, although he may choose to attend certain events, alongside The Queen in the future. A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily) on

“The Duke met representatives from the @royalmarines runners’ contingent, including two Royal Marines who have completed the entire 1,664 miles,” the royal family shared on its official Instagram alongside a slideshow of highlights from the day. “His Royal Highness also spoke to veterans and cadets before returning to the dais to receive the 1664 Global Challenge baton. The Royal Marines are the amphibious troops of the Royal Navy, acknowledged as one of the world’s elite commando forces.”

The duke received three cheers from marines and was handed the 1664 Challenge Baton during the parade. He was appointed captain general of the Royal Marines in 1953.

The royal family broadcast the duke’s last day of work on its official Facebook page.</s>LONDON: After a lifetime of public service by the side of his wife Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip will finally retire on Wednesday at the age of 96.

The Duke of Edinburgh will attend a parade of Royal Marines at Buckingham Palace, the last of 22,219 solo public engagements since she ascended to the throne in 1952.

He has attended countless more events with the queen, now 91, but both have slowed their pace in recent years, handing over responsibilities to the younger royals.

“Prince Philip is entitled to slow down a bit,” the Daily Telegraph newspaper wrote in an editorial, adding: “This is a man who has always put his country first.”

The former World War II naval officer has carried out 637 overseas visits on his own in the past 65 years, given almost 5,500 speeches, and was patron, president or a member of more than 780 organizations.

His final engagement on Wednesday will honor his military background, as he attends the end of a charity challenge in which Royal Marines ran 1,664 miles over 100 days to mark the founding of the commando force in 1664.

Philip has been captain general of the corps since 1953, taking over from the queen’s father king George VI, who had died the year before.

The queen has described Philip, her husband of almost 70 years who is now the longest-serving consort in British history, as “my strength and stay.”

But after announcing his plans to retire in May, he joked he was the “world’s most experienced plaque-unveiler.”

The prince’s often politically incorrect sense of humor has got him into trouble in the past, although for many of the queen’s subjects, it has also provided some welcome warmth into the institution of the monarchy.

“Humor is important. The Duke’s has brightened these decades,” the Telegraph said.

Philip is still in good health for a man of his age, although he was hospitalized for two nights in June for the treatment of an undisclosed infection.

A spokeswoman said his individual program of public engagements had come to an end, but “he may choose to attend engagements alongside the queen from time to time.”

When he announced his retirement, Prime Minister Theresa May offered him Britain’s “deepest gratitude and good wishes.”

Both the senior royals have taken a step back in recent years, leaving their eldest son and heir Prince Charles and grandson Prince William to take their places.

William, the Duke of Cambridge, ended his brief career as an air ambulance pilot last week and will now turn his full attention to royal duties, alongside his wife Kate.

But while the queen supports her husband’s decision to retire, experts say her own sacred vow at her 1953 coronation to serve for life was unbreakable.

“Her Majesty will continue to carry out a full program of official engagements with the support of members of the royal family,” the palace said earlier this year.</s>Britain's 96-year-old Prince Philip carried out his final solo engagement here to begin his retirement from royal duties.

The Duke of Edinburgh is the longest serving consort to a British monarch with 65 years of public service and appearing at hundreds of events alongside his wife Queen Elizabeth II.

His appearance on Wednesday at a parade to mark the finale of the 1664 Global Challenge a series of strength and endurance challenges raising funds and awareness for charity brings his solo engagements total to 22,220 since 1952.

In his role as Captain General of the Royal Marines, he met British naval servicemen who have taken part in a 1,664-mile trek as part of the challenge at a Buckingham Palace ceremony.

Prince Philip then took the royal salute from a dais on the Palace forecourt and parade ended with three cheers for the Captain General.

He then set off to join the Queen at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where the couple traditionally spend this time of the year.

While his official diary of engagements come to an end on Wednesday, the Palace has said the Duke may still decide to attend some events alongside the Queen, 91, whose diary of events remains unchanged.

"The parade would bring His Royal Highness' individual programme to a conclusion, although he may choose to attend certain events, alongside the Queen, from time to time," a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said.

According to palace records, Prince Philip has undertaken 637 solo overseas visits to 143 countries, delivered 5,496 speeches, written 14 books and carried out the role of patron for 785 organisations during his royal career.

It was announced in May that he would no longer undertake any solo royal engagements but the Palace had stressed that the surprise news was not health related.

The Duke is known for his quips and over the past few months has been joking about his impending retirement, telling British celebrity cook Prue Leith at a Palace event: "I'm discovering what it's like to be on your last legs".

Prince Philip, who has long been considered among the most active royals in the UK, has been married to Queen Elizabeth II since 1947.

The couple are set to mark their 70th or platinum wedding anniversary in November this year.

Their son and heir, Prince Charles, and grandsons Princes William and Harry are expected to take on additional royal duties to step in for Prince Philip at public engagements from this month.

The Queen and Prince Philip had already cut down on long-haul travel for some years now, with younger royals taking on those duties.

Close confidantes of the royal family said that the decision to retire was a personal one taken by Prince Philip himself, who may now devote his time to writing his memoirs.
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, retires from public appearances at the age of 96, after having completed 22,219 solo engagements since 1952.