Duke of Edinburgh to stand down from royal duties

The statement said it was the decision of Prince Philip, who is 95, and was taken with the support of the Queen.

The entire royal household staff from royal residences around the UK wer asked to attend the meeting at Buckingham Palace today.

The statement read: "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."

Philip has generally been in good health in recent years and On Wednesday when he opened a new stand at Lord's cricket ground in central London looked relaxed, lively and walked confidently down a flight of uneven steps when he strode onto the outfield.

But it appears the Duke has decided that, now in his advanced years, the time has come to step back from royal duties that can involve extensive travel.

His grandson the Duke of Cambridge has already announced he will be leaving his job as an air ambulance helicopter pilot to concentrate on his public role, and it is likely he will be further supporting the Queen in her position as head of state now the Duke has retired from official engagements.

But a royal aide stressed Philip is likely to attend events in the future and will not completely disappear from public life.