At 96 years old, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh retires from public engagements this summer. Buckingham Palace announces his retirement had the full support of Queen Elizabeth.
One of the Prince’s impressive achievements is The Duke of Edinburgh Awards, which he started in 1956 and are known as the leading youth achievement awards throughout 141 countries.
He, who popularly portrays himself as the most experienced unveiler of plaques, Prince Philip has managed a total of 22, 191 individual engagements and presented almost 5, 500 speeches in nearly 70 years as Queen Elizabeth’s “strength and stay”. Although it was offered to him, he never took the official title of prince consort. His diary is also one of the busiest in the royal family.
Queen Elizabeth, whom the Prince has lovingly nicknamed “Cabbage”, will take part more individual engagements or be escorted by the younger members of the royal family. Just last January, The Duke, and The Duchess of Cambridge said they were moving to London as William quits being a pilot with the aim of performing more royal duties.
The Prince is spending more of his time at Windsor to enjoy his leisure time. A former racer, Philip can still be seen driving his horses and cart through Windsor. His hobbies also include oil painting and outdoor activities. Even the former Prime Minister David Cameron confirmed Philip’s barbecue is legendary via Twitter.
He continues his association with over 780 organizations of which Philip is either a patron, a member or a president. Although, he will not be active by attending engagements. Philip’s specific fields include industrial, environmental, sport and research. He has also written 14 books.
