Prince Philip, who officially retired from public life last year after decades of loyal service, was forced to pull out of a royal public engagement alongside the Queen this week due to ill health.
According to the Daily Mail, the Duke of Edinburgh, 96, was expected to formally hand his role as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards onto his son, Prince Andrew at Windsor Castle on Thursday but could not attend as he was feeling “unwell.”
It’s understood there are no serious concerns over the beloved royal’s health, but at his age — and after several bouts of ill health in recent years — doctors remain on high-alert.
Since retiring from public life last year, Prince Philip has only made a handful of appearances alongside his wife the Queen.
In August last year, the Duke retired from official royal duties.
In a statement at the time, Buckingham Palace said: “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,” the statement concluded.
The Duke is considered one of the hardest-working royals and conducted 110 days of appearances last year – outnumbering several young family members — including Prince William.
The Duke is considered one of the hardest-working royals.
His last official engagement before retirement saw him attend the Captain General’s Parade on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace.
The event, which marked the finale of the Royal Marines 1664 Global Challenge, was a fitting end to Prince Philip’s royal duties. He was first appointed Captain General of the Royal Marines on June 2, 1953, in succession to the late King George VI.
The beloved royal’s last official engagement before retirement saw him attend the Captain General’s Parade.
Wearing a black bowler hat and a long overcoat to stay dry during the rainy engagement, the much-loved royal waved warmly to onlookers, acknowledging their cheers.
He was later described as “chipper” by a senior officer.
We wish the beloved royal a very speedy recovery!
