Prince Philip Has Announced That He Will Be Stepping Down From Public Life

After 69 years of marriage to Queen Elizabeth and 65 years as her royal consort, Prince Philip has announced that he is ready to retire from life in the public eye at the age of 95. Find out more here!

Earl Gray
Created by Earl Gray
On May 4, 2017
Help Translate This Item

Prince Philip, 95, husband and royal consort of Queen Elizabeth II, announced today in an official statement that he will be retiring from public life in September. And although he will remain involved with over 700 charitable organizations, he will no longer be accepting invitations to public events.

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.

Official Statement

CNN, May 4, 2017

In 2016, Prince Philip attended over 200 events and was involved 780 different organizations. Now, he feels ready to step down and take some time to relax. Although Britain will be saddened to see the monarch a little less, it is certainly understandable that a 95-year-old man might want to take a break from life in the public eye.

It is very sad to see Prince Philip stepping down from royal engagements but I think we can all agree he deserves a rest. He has been an incredible consort to Her Majesty — a man of great achievement and great intelligence.

Kate Williams, Royal Commentator

CNN, May 4, 2017

Prime Minister Theresa May also paid tribute to Prince Philip when the news broke, saying:

"From his steadfast support for Her Majesty the Queen to his Duke of Edinburgh Awards and his patronage of hundreds of charities, his contribution to our United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the wider world will be of huge benefit to us all.

Theresa May

CNN, May 4, 2017

Are you sad to see Prince Philip step down? Talk to us about it in the comments below, and share with your friends to see what they think!

These are 10 of the World CRAZIEST Ice Cream Flavors
Created by Tal Garner
On Nov 18, 2021