Prince Philip to retire from Royal duties

Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh on Wednesday announced sudden retirement from his Royal duties from autumn of this year.

The decision was taken in a top secret emergency meeting held on Thursday morning.

Her Majesty's most senior aides called her entire household from across Britain to London for summit ahead of a Royal announcement.

Palace spokesman said: "He will no longer carry out public engagement from the autumn of this year. In taking this decision, The Duke has the full support of the Queen."

In a statement issued by Buckingham Palace on Thursday morning: "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 the decision, The Duke has the full support of the Queen.

In December last year the Queen stepped down as Patron of 25 of the 600 national organisations.

Prince Philip will attend all those engagements that has been scheduled earlier, both individually and accompanying The Queen.

Thereafter, The Duke will not be accepting new invitation for visits and engagements, although he may choose to attend certain public.

The Duke of Edinburgh will continue to be associated with 780 organisations as a member, President and a Patron.