Prince Philip, the consort¹ known for his steadfast² support of his wife Queen Elizabeth II as well as for his occasional gaffes³, will retire from royal duties this fall, Buckingham Palace said Thursday.

 

白金汉宫周四透露，菲利普亲王，在伊丽莎白二世身边提供坚定支持以及偶尔的毒舌而闻名的女王配偶，将于今年秋天退出公职。

 

Philip, 95, made the decision himself with the full support of the queen, the palace said in a statement. The royal, known as the Duke of Edinburgh, has suffered from heart disease and other ailments⁴ in recent years but has nonetheless maintained a vigorous public schedule.

 

He seemed to be in good health and a fine mood Wednesday during an appearance at a London cricket club. He joked about being the world's most experienced person when it comes to unveiling plaques⁵.

 

Officials said the queen, who turned 91 last month, will keep carrying out royal engagements with the support of the royal family.

 

She has, however, lowered her work load in recent years as her children and grandchildren have moved to the fore⁶. Attention has been increasingly focused on her son Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, and on her grandson Prince William and his wife Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge.

 

The palace said Philip will continue heading numerous charitable organizations but will not play an active role attending engagements.

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