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Prince Philip announcement in full: Duke of Edinburgh to step down from public life in Autumn

'His Royal Highness 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'

Lucy Pasha-Robinson
Thursday 04 May 2017 06:02 EDT
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Prince Philip to stand down from public engagements this year

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Prince Philip will no longer carry out public engagements from autumn this year, Buckingham Palace has announced.

The Palace said it was the Duke of Edinburgh's decision taken with the support of the Queen.

The Queen called an emergency meeting ahead of the announcement, sparking false rumours either the Queen or her husband were in ill health.

Here is the statement in full:

"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."

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