Britain's Prince Philip announces retirement from royal engagements

Prince Philip of Britain is stepping down from public duties

(Image credit: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)

Britain's Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and husband to Queen Elizabeth II, has decided to stop accepting new public engagements in the fall, and the queen fully backs his decision, Buckingham Palace announced Thursday. Philip turns 96 on June 10, and he and Queen Elizabeth, 91, celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary in November.

Rumors had swirled about Philip's health after it was reported early Thursday that the queen had called an unusual meeting of the royal household, but Buckingham Palace did not give any new details of his or the queen's health. Both appeared in good shape in appearances on Wednesday, and Prince Philip showed that he has his wits about him, joking at the unveiling of a new stand at the Lord's Cricket Ground that he's the "world's most experienced plaque unveiler." He had public engagements on 110 days last year, BBC News reports, making him the fifth most active member of the royal family.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.