After 7 Decades in the Public Eye, Prince Philip Gets Ready to Retire
At the age of 96, the longest serving consort of a British monarch will be officially stepping down from the public duties that he has held for the past 65 years. On August 2, the Duke of Edinburgh made his final appearance at a parade at Buckingham Palace.
The Duke of Edinburgh has also authored 14 books and has given 5,496 speeches. pic.twitter.com/iHW8XjucA8
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) August 2, 2017
As his grandson, the Duke of Cambridge, emerges into his own public role, it appears he will be assisting his grandmother in her role as the head of state while his grandfather steps into retirement.
Price Philip Still Supports 780 Organizations
According to the Telegraph, the Palace released a statement indicating that Prince Philip currently serves with over 780 organizations that he will continue to support, just without actively attending public engagements.
The Telegraph also reports that Prince Philip has made more public appearances in 2017 than the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge or even the Queen.
A Symbol of Service, Perseverance and Longevity
As the longest reigning monarch in British history, the Queen along with her husband have set a high standard of devoted service to the rest of the Royal Family that comes behind them. Taking the throne at the age of 25, Queen Elisabeth II has left her son and heir, Prince Charles, waiting for the throne for 68 years – the longest wait for the throne in British history.
No matter the length of their wait, the future monarchy has been given an example of devoted service, perseverance, and longevity.
In an age of fast food, self-deleting photos, and unobstructed access to the entire world, the Royal Family serves as a permanent fixture and reminder of stability for those who feel caught up in the overwhelming speed of things.
We wish Prince Philip well in his retirement and in this new phase of his life.
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