Prince Philip, the 95-year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth, will step down from all royal duties, public engagements from this autumn. The prince makes the decision himself, and was supported by the Queen.
The Duke of Edinburgh in recent years had suffered heart diseases and other sickness, but had tried to carry on with his duties, but that is going to change from this autumn.
The statement released by the palace reads;
"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 this decision, The Duke has the full support of The Queen.
"Prince Philip will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August, both individually and accompanying The Queen.
"Thereafter, The Duke will not be accepting new invitations for visits and engagements, although he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time.
"The Duke of Edinburgh is Patron, President or a member of over 780 organisations, with which he will continue to be associated, although he will no longer play an active role by attending engagements.
"Her Majesty will continue to carry out a full programme of official engagements with the support of members of the Royal Family."