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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip have attended a Thursday morning service for members of the Order of Merit at St. James’ Palace in London.
The ceremony, which was followed with a luncheon put on for those at the gathering, marks the royal couple’s first public appearance since Buckingham Palace announced Philip’s retirement.
Ahead of the announcement, staff from all around the UK, including Windsor Castle, Balmoral and Sandringham, were summoned to attend an emergency briefing at the palace. The highly-irregular request sent social media into overdrive with wild theories — among them, Philip’s failing health.
The pair were pictured as they made their way from Buckingham Palace to St James’s Palace.
The much-loved duo appeared to be in fine fettle at the ceremony!
The Duke of Edinburgh will certainly be missed in the public eye.
But it seems the Duke of Edinburgh hasn’t lost his signature deadpan humour in the kerfuffle!
A clip has emerged from the couple’s latest appearance, which shows a rather witty interaction between Philip and a guest.
“I’m sorry to hear you’re standing down,” the man tells Philip.
The royal, who will turn 96 in June, swiftly came back with, “Well, I can’t stand up much longer!”
WATCH: Prince Philip provides another classic zinger. Post continues…
The palace confirmed the royal’s retirement with a statement.
It began: “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.
Queen Elizabeth is the world’s longest-reigning monarch and her right-hand man will wind up his official duties by August.
This news marks a significant change for the British Royal Family and will no doubt see Prince Charles, 68, step up on behalf his father.
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.
Speaking of her husband, who she married on November 20, 1947, The Queen has credited Philip for being a constant pillar of support throughout her life and reign.
“He is someone who doesn’t take easily to compliments but he has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know,” the monarch has mused.
All the best to the Duke in his retirement, you will be very missed.
