Britain’s Outspoken Prince Philip Bows out of Public Life at 96

Prince Philip has been by the Queen Elizabeth’s side throughout her 65 years on the throne.

The 96-year-old husband of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip made his final solo appearance to mark the finale of the Royal Marines Charity.

(Photo: AP)

Prince Philip, the 96-year-old husband of Britain's Queen Elizabeth, bowed out of public life on 2 August, with his final solo appearance at an official event, ending a royal career marked by occasional gaffes that landed him in hot water.

The prince, also known as the Duke of Edinburgh, attended a parade of Royal Marines at Buckingham Palace and met servicemen that had taken part in a 1,664 mile race to raise money for the Royal Marine's Charity.

Though known for often off-colour comments that seized the headlines, Philip has been by the queen's side throughout her 65 years on the throne and she has described him as "my strength and stay".

Britain’s Prince Philip, in his role as Captain General of the Royal Marines, talks to troops as he attends a Parade on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace.(Photo: AP)

He announced his retirement in May this year, after completing more than 22,000 solo appearances, spanning seven decades. At an engagement on the day of the announcement, a guest had told Philip he was sorry to hear he was standing down.

"I can't stand up much," quipped the prince.

Britain’s Prince Philip, in his role as Captain General of the Royal Marines, acknowledges three cheers from the troops as he attends a Parade.(Photo: AP)

Both the queen and Prince Philip have cut their workload in recent years, passing on many responsibilities to son and heir Prince Charles, and grandsons, Princes William and Harry.

Philip spent two days in hospital in June for treatment for an infection. The queen, the world's longest-reigning living monarch who celebrated her 91st birthday in April, will continue to carry out a full programme of official engagements.

Philip married Elizabeth at Westminster Abbey in 1947, and the couple are due to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary in November.

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