Prince Philip retires... with a final masterclass in media manipulation

The embargo on the announcement triggered a whirlwind of anticipation

Buckingham Palace’s announcement that Prince Philip is retiring in the autumn is a masterclass in triggering media spectacle. Media industries around the world instantly went into meltdown over what is actually a fairly minor revelation: a 96-year-old man will retire. But following the event as it unfolded on May 4 was deeply revealing of the way in which the British monarchy operates in the 21st century – and the power it still holds over popular opinion.

News started to break around 3am that all of the Queen’s staff had been asked to travel to London for an “emergency”