Prince Philip will retire from royal duties, an emergency meeting of Royal Household staff have been told at Buckingham Palace.
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The decision was made by Prince Philip himself and is supported by the Queen, a palace spokesman said.
Prince Philip turns 96 next month.
Prince Philip will honor all engagements until August, and the Queen will continue to carry out her duties following Prince Philip’s retirement.
It is understood the duties performed by the royal one he stands down will now be shared by Prince Charles, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry
The Queen’s royal staff were reportedly called from across the UK to an emergency meeting at Buckingham Palace during the early morning.
The news, from "sources", sent the internet into meltdown as the monarch's aides and team members from as far as Balmoral in Scotland to her Sandringham Estate in Norfolk and Windsor Castle head to the city residence.
The BBC reported the meeting was not believed to be a cause for concern and such meetings happened about once a year.
According to the Daily Mail, the staff were addressed by the most senior officer of the royal household, Lord Chamberlain, and the Queen's private secretary, Sir Christopher Geidt.