The Duke of Edinburgh attended his last official royal engagement on Wednesday, the Captain General’s Parade on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace.
In a statement, released to the public, the Palace confirmed: “The Captain General’s Parade will bring His Royal Highness’s individual program to a conclusion, although he may choose to attend certain events, alongside The Queen, from time to time.”
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.
During the rainy engagement, Philip met with veterans and cadets as well as servicemen and women who have taken part in the 1664 Global Challenge — an effort which sees royal marines from around the country push themselves to the limit in aid of the Royal Marines Charity.
The royal, who is known for his deadpan humour, joked with Royal Marines they should be all be “locked up” for their madcap fundraising efforts.
The even was a fitting end to Prince Philip’s royal duties — after all, he was first appointed Captain General of the Royal Marines on June 2, 1953.
During the engagement, Philip was said to demonstrate some of his signature wit!
He was described as “chipper” by a senior officer.
Despite the inclement weather, large crowds gathered at the palace gates for the significant moment in royal history.
The parade concluded with a march past, a royal salute and three cheers for Prince Philip.
Despite the inclement weather, large crowds gathered at the palace gates to catch a glimpse of the significant moment in royal history.
Wearing a black bowler hat and a long overcoat to stay dry, the much-loved royal waved warmly to onlookers, acknowledging their cheers.
He was later described as “chipper” by a senior officer.
Buckingham Palace previously announced that the father-of-four would officially retire in August, although he may choose to attend certain events, alongside the Queen, on occasion.
They said in a statement: “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 is considered one of the hardest-working royals.
“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.
All the best to the Duke in his retirement, you will be very missed.
