Team Windsor rallies round: How the entire 'Firm' will step up to take on Prince Philip's duties as Duke of Edinburgh prepares to end 70 years of royal engagements

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'Team Windsor' will step up to take on Prince Philip's duties as he prepares to end 70 years of royal engagements.

Younger members of the Royal family, including Prince William and Prince Harry, will now 'rally around' and support the Queen with future events, after the Duke of Edinburgh revealed his decision to retire.

The move was announced at a top secret emergency meeting called by Buckingham Palace and attended by other royals including his daughter Princess Anne.

Philip will continue to be involved in organisations and charities, but his roles will be reduced and he will no longer attend engagements.

It is believed the Earl of Wessex will now play a greater role in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme and appear at events that would have otherwise been attended by his father. 

However, it is not clear whether Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie will be given any increased duties.

A royal source told MailOnline: 'It’s now a case of Team Windsor stepping up. Younger members of the Royal family will continue to support the Queen.’ 

Prince Philip has taken a typically irreverent view on his own retirement today telling one man who said he was sorry he was standing down: 'Well I can't stand up for much longer'.

The Duke of Edinburgh made himself and a crowd of guests roar with laughter while with the Queen at an Order of Merit service at St James's Palace just an hour after announcing he will end his public royal duties at the age of 95.

Mathematician Sir Michael Atiyah was left in hysterics after stopping him to say: 'I'm sorry to hear you're standing down', to which the Duke replied: 'Well I can't stand up much longer'. 

Team Windsor: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and the Earl of Wessex will now rally round the Queen and  'step up' as Prince Philip announces his retirement from Royal duties 

Irreverent Duke: Prince Philip has taken a typically light-hearted view on his own retirement today, sending mathematician Sir Michael Atiyah into hysterics after he said he was sorry he was standing down and he replied: 'Well I can't stand up for much longer'

Typical style: The Duke of Edinburgh made himself and a crowd of guests roar with laughter just an hour after announcing he will stop all public royal duties at the age of 95

Back to work: Prince Philip and the Queen arrive at St James's Palace, London, for an Order of Merit service today shortly after announcing his own retirement today

His choice: The difficult decision was made by Philip (pictured today) himself and he will retire just before he and the Queen reach their 70 year platinum wedding anniversary in November

Decision: The 95-year-old Duke of Edinburgh's well-earned retirement this autumn was announced at a top secret emergency meeting called by Buckingham Palace today (pictured leaving this morning)

Support: Princess Anne (pictured leaving the Palace today) was among the royals who went to the Palace to hear the announcement of her father's retirement

Announcement: All staff from the royal household across Britain were called to London today and taken to the Palace by bus to hear the news 

Frenzy: The Mail's story last night about the emergency meeting at the Palace led to the world's media descending on 

Revealed: This is the Palace's announcement that revealed Philip's 70 years of full time engagements will end later this year

Prince Philip's well-earned retirement comes after decades of dedicated service to Britain and Her Majesty, who has given him her 'full support' to step down. 

The difficult decision to step down was made by Philip himself and he will step back just before he and the Queen reach their 70 year platinum wedding anniversary in November.

The Queen will continue her public engagements as she has always vowed to serve her country for as long as she lives. 

In a statement Buckingham Palace said: '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.

'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'.

Last night the Mail revealed staff from the royal household across Britain were called to London today, which caused fevered speculation around the world about the health of the Queen and her husband. 

However, Philip - Britain's longest serving consort in history - is 'fine' but has decided to end his formal royal duties having supported his wife in public on thousands of occasions since 1947. 

In typical style the Duke and the Queen were back at work an hour after the announcement, attending an Order of Merit service at St James's Palace. 

The Duke's retirement marks the end of an extraordinary lifetime's service to the country.

He has carried out more than 22,000 solo engagements in his long career and given more than 5,000 speeches - but there are also the many thousands of other duties he has carried out behind the scenes since 1947.

Even at the age of 95 Philip has put the younger generation of royals to shame and undertook 219 official engagements in the UK last year, which was more than Prince William, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry put together. 

Prince Philip announces his retirement aged 95

After feverish speculation about his health overnight Prince Philip (right today) is 'fine' but is retiring aged 95. 

Here is his statement in full: '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.'  

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The Queen and Philip called a halt to long-haul travel in recent years, handing this responsibility over to the younger members of their family. 

Philip is expected to spend more time at Windsor Castle, where he is ranger of Windsor Great Park and has overseen major developments at the estate. Although he is not involved in its day-to-day running, he still takes a keen interest.

And despite withdrawing from public contact with his charities and organisations, the Duke will still keep in touch via correspondence - like signing certificates and sending messages. 

While the Duke will continue to accompany his wife to some events, all of children and grandchildren, especially William and Harry, are expected to take up some of his responsibilities.

Other members of 'Team Windsor' like Princess Anne are expected to step in for their father.

The Duke of Cambridge has already announced he will be leaving his job as an air ambulance helicopter pilot in the summer with the intention of taking on more royal duties. 

When the Duke turned 90, he stepped down as president or patron of more than a dozen organisations - but still has links to 785 charities or bodies and many of those are likely to remain.

A royal source told the MailOnline: 'He is patron, president or member of over 780 organisations and he will gladly and willingly remain associated with those. He just won't play an active role.

'If a patronage decides that it would like somebody else as patron, it is entirely a matter for them. The Duke is more than content to retain his association with organisations but if they chose to seek a successor that's absolutely for them and understood'.

Prime Minister Theresa May has led tributes to the Duke of Edinburgh following the announcement that he is standing aside from royal duties, saying the whole country would want to offer him 'our deepest gratitude and good wishes'.

Mrs May said Prince Philip had given 'steadfast support' to the Queen and served the country in a way which would be 'of huge benefit to us all for years to come'. 

She said: 'On behalf of the whole country, I want to offer our deepest gratitude and good wishes to His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh following today's announcement that he will stand down from public duties in the autumn.

'From his steadfast support for Her Majesty the Queen to his inspirational Duke of Edinburgh Awards and his patronage of hundreds of charities and good causes, his contribution to our United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the wider world will be of huge benefit to us all for years to come.'

Former prime minister David Cameron said: 'HRH the Duke of Edinburgh is an outstanding public servant. We owe him a huge debt of gratitude. I always enjoyed his company, especially his BBQs!' 

This is a reference to Philip's love of outdoor cooking, especially on the Balmoral BBQ. 

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also had words of praise for the Duke, saying his 'clear sense of public duty' had inspired people for more than 60 years. 

Mr Corbyn said: 'I would like to pay tribute to Prince Philip following his decision to retire from public service.

'He has dedicated his life to supporting the Queen and our country with a clear sense of public duty.

'His Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme has inspired young people for more than 60 years in over 140 nations. We thank Prince Philip for his service to the country and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.'

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: 'HRH the Duke of Edinburgh has dedicated his life to public service and the steadfast support he has given to the Queen throughout her reign is hugely admirable.

'His charity work, in particular his role as chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, has benefited millions of young people across Scotland. He also gave over 50 years of service to Edinburgh University during his time as Chancellor there.

'He has always served with enthusiasm and a healthy sense of humour. I have always thoroughly enjoyed any time that I have spent in his company.

'I know that, even as he steps back from public life, the Duke will continue to be a huge support to the Queen. I wish him all the very best for a happy and peaceful retirement.'

Order of Merit members pose for a group photograph with the Queen and Prince Philip: From left back row, Sir James Dyson, Lord Darzi of Denham, David Hockney, Neil MacGregor, The Rt Hon Jean Chretien, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, Lord Rees of Ludlow, John Howard, Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub, Professor Dame Ann Dowling and Lord Robert Fellowes, from left bottom row, Sir David Attenborough, Lord Rothschild, Professor Lord May of Oxford, Professor Sir Roger Penrose, Sir Michael Atiyah, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II, Lord Foster of Thames Bank, Sir Tom Stoppard, Baroness Boothroyd, Professor Sir Michael Howard and Lord Eames

Standing down: Prince Philip (pictured at Lords yesterday) is to retire from public royal duties at the age of 95 from the autumn and has the full support of the Queen, it was revealed today

Hard at work: While Philip was at Lords yesterday (left) the Queen was at Buckingham Palace (right) to meet British Prime Minister Theresa May to mark the dissolution of Parliament for the General Election

Royal couple: The 95-year-old Duke of Edinburgh's well-earned retirement was announced at a top secret emergency meeting called by Buckingham Palace today. The Queen will continue as normal

Royal couple: Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace after their marriage ceremony at Westminster Abbey on November 20, 1947. 70 years on Philip is stepping back

Doting dad: Philip with his wife the Queen holding Prince Charles and Princess Anne in 1951 four years after they got married

The Mail revealed last night that Her Majesty's most senior aides called her entire household from across Britain to London for a 10am summit ahead of a royal announcement.

But royal sources said that internet rumours about the Queen's or the Duke of Edinburgh's health faltering are 'wide of the mark' and the couple are 'fine'. 

As speculation swirled yesterday the spokesman refused to say what the meeting is about but added: 'There's no cause for alarm' and the Royal Standard remains at full mast over Buckingham Palace today, meaning there has been no death in the royal family.

The Queen met Theresa May in London yesterday to dissolve Parliament for the General Election and Prince Philip opened a new stand at Lords cricket ground and both looked in rude health. Both have royal engagements in the capital later.

Servants from royal residences across the country were ordered to London and addressed by the Lord Chamberlain, the most senior officer of the Royal Household, as well as Her Majesty's right-hand man, Private Secretary Sir Christopher Geidt.

Even her longest serving staff were left in the dark about why the meeting was being called but multiple sources said it was 'highly unusual'. 

'Everyone is on tenterhooks,' said one source last night.

'Although meetings involving the entire royal household are occasionally called, the way this has been done at the eleventh hour is highly unusual and suggests that there is something major to be disseminated.

'But at the moment, only those closest to her genuinely know what on earth this is all about.' 

The Queen has just returned to her London residence following her extended Easter break at Windsor.

She turned 91 last month while her husband, Prince Philip, will celebrate his 96th birthday in June.

In recent years the Queen has, slowly but surely, been handing over a number of her more onerous duties including all those involving long-haul travel and many of her regular investitures.

Last year Buckingham Palace also announced that she would step down as patron of around 25 national organisations - including the NSPCC and Wimbledon tennis - after she turned 90 in April and in favour of younger members of her family.

Many have expressed concern, however, that she still conducts well over 300 engagements every year.

The Duke also helped the Queen through the deaths of both her mother and sister in the Golden Jubilee year of 2002.

He has enjoyed good health throughout much of his life - recovering from a blocked coronary artery in 2011 and a bladder infection in 2012 - the latter leading him to miss the majority of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

He continued to take part in fast-paced, dangerous carriage-driving events, competing at international level until the age of 85.

When he turned 90 in June 2011 he insisted on no fuss, but the Queen bestowed on him a new title - Lord High Admiral, titular head of the Royal Navy.

It was a touching tribute to the man who given up his military career to support his wife, and devote himself to royal service.

A symbol of continuity within the monarchy and public life, the Duke of Edinburgh is the person the Queen relies upon above all others.

Philip's first ever private secretary Michael Parker, a friend from the Navy, once revealed: 'He told me the first day he offered me my job that his job, first, second and last was never to let her down.' 

Royal staff from all over the country leave Buckingham Palace this morning after hearing the news of Philip's retirement

Princess Anne drove herself to the Palace to see her mother and father ahead of the crucial meeting

Queen Elizabeth II arrives at Buckingham Palace yesterday ahead of an audience with Prime Minister Theresa May to mark the dissolution of Parliament for the General Election

The Queen is greeted by wellwishers outside Buckingham Palace as she arrives yesterday

The Duke of Edinburgh talks to children from St Edwards Catholic Primary School yesterday, during a visit to Lord's cricket ground in London where he opened the new Warner Stand

Recently the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced they would be finally moving back to London from Norfolk, where Prince William works as an air ambulance pilot, in order to help shoulder the burden more.

Similarly, Prince Philip has been curtailing his commitments, having stepped down from a number of patronages when he turned 90.

There was also grave concern for the Queen and Philip's health over Christmas when both developed heavy colds, forcing the monarch to miss Christmas Day service for the first time in living memory.

It is unlikely, however, that any meeting would involve news of an abdication as the Queen has always vowed to serve her country for as long as she lives.

The Duke of Edinburgh was out and about yesterday as he joked about his prowess at unveiling plaques when he opened a new £25million stand at Lord's cricket ground in London.

Philip, famed for his off-the-cuff comments, quipped just before he pulled a cord to part a small curtain: 'You're about to see the world's most experienced plaque-unveiler'.

His comment was reminiscent of a joke made by his grandson, Prince Harry, who said of the Royal Family during a tree-planting ceremony: 'It's what we do.'

And when the Duke was shown a selection of cricket bats through the ages, from an 1890s blade used by Albert Trott to a huge example now ruled illegal, he looked at a baseball-style bat with a very long handle and said to former England captain Mike Gatting: 'It's an offensive weapon.' 

Meanwhile the Duchess of Cambridge gave a baby lamb called Stinky a bottle of milk during a visit to the Farms for City Children in Arlingham, Gloucestershire - a charity set up by children's author Michael Morpurgo to teach inner-city children about farming.

The Duchess, who was wearing dark brown knee-length zip-up boots, light brown trousers and an outdoor jacket, had arrived at the farm for a private lunch with the children and staff. She then joined a story-time session led by Mr Morpurgo, who founded the charity with his wife Clare in 1976.

The Duchess was then taken on a tour of the farm where she helped children - from Vauxhall in London - pot vegetable plants and plant onions in the allotments, as well as tending to the chicken coop.

Also yesterday, Kensington Palace said Prince Harry is to visit Singapore to stage a polo match in aid of his charity Sentebale and will also travel to Australia.

Harry will host the Singapore polo match in June in aid of his organisation based in Lesotho which provides support to African children living with HIV and Aids.

On Saturday, Harry was at Twickenham Stadium in South West London for the Army v Royal Navy annual rugby match.

Royal watchers are hoping to see Harry accompanied by his actress girlfriend Meghan Markle at the wedding of the Duchess of Cambridge's sister Pippa Middleton in Berkshire on May 20.

Other royal news yesterday concerned the centenary of the House of Windsor which was commemorated with a new coin.

The Royal Family's name was radically switched 100 years ago in 1917 because of anti-German feeling during the First World War. 

Seventy years and 22,191 engagements: How Prince Philip has been the Queen's 'rock' since their fairytale wedding, becoming one of the hardest working royals well into his 90s 

The Duke of Edinburgh has been the Queen's steadfast companion for nearly 70 years.

Known for his no-nonsense approach and acerbic wit, Prince Philip is the longest-serving consort in British history and also the oldest serving partner of a reigning monarch.

The husband of one of the most famous women in the world, he is defined by his relationship to Elizabeth II and gave up a promising naval career to support his wife in her royal role.

While the Queen takes centre stage, Philip has always been one step behind, ready to lend a hand.

The Duke has had a profound effect on the development of the British monarchy and has been a moderniser of 'the Firm'.

The Duke of Edinburgh has been the Queen's steadfast companion for nearly 70 years and he has dedicated his life to supporting her - but has decided to step back from his

Philip has supported his wife throughout her reign. Pictured left at Buckingham Palace on December 8, 2016; right, in his regalia in 1958

The Queen and the Duke on a farm at their Balmoral estate to celebrate their Silver wedding anniversary in 1972

The Duke has immersed himself in national life but also served in the Armed Forces, left, in his naval uniform circa 1982; and right, on a boat in Malta in 1949

In private, he is head of the family. To the public, he is the irascible figure who speaks his mind despite the consequences - famed for his outrageous gaffes.

He once warned a group of Scottish students in China that they would become 'slitty-eyed'.

In a Glasgow factory, he pointed to a fusebox of loose wires and remarked that it looked like it had been installed by an 'Indian'.

He fought for Britain during the Second World War, serving with distinction in the Royal Navy.

As a younger man he was a good shot, a first-class polo player, accomplished sailor, enthusiastic cricketer and international four-in-hand carriage driver.

Hardworking and inquisitive, he has dedicated himself to national life for decades and even when he gave up some of his charitable associations when he was 90, he has still been associated with more than 800 charities.

Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark was born on the island of Corfu on June 10 1921 to Prince Andrew of Greece and Princess Alice of Battenburg.

His early years were marked by upheaval after his family went into exile following a military coup in Greece which overthrew his uncle, King Constantine I.

George V, the Queen's grandfather, ordered the Royal Navy cruiser HMS Calypso to evacuate the family and Philip was carried to safety in a cot made from an orange box on December 1922, aged just 18 months.

His childhood lacked stability and he moved between relatives in France and Britain, and started studying at Cheam Prep School in 1928.

His parent split up and he rarely saw either of them - with his mother, who suffered from mental illlness, being confined to an asylum.

The Queen waves from the balcony of Buckingham Palace, with the Duke by her side, after her Coronation in June 1953

The Duke of Edinburgh glances over at Queen Elizabeth II as they stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace shortly after her Coronation

The couple pictured at the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords in 2014, which he has always attended and is likely to continue to do so

After spending a year at a school in Germany, he eventually went to Gordonstoun School in Morayshire.

Philip later joined the Royal Navy and, while a cadet, he caught the eye of a 13-year-old Princess Elizabeth - a distant cousin - when she visited the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth with her parents, the King and Queen.

During the Second World War, he saw active service from the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean, and by 1945 was in Tokyo Bay as the Japanese surrendered.

He was mentioned in despatches for his service on battleship HMS Valiant in 1941.

Over the years his friendship with Princess Elizabeth grew and blossomed into love. In 1947, two years after the end of the war, the Princess married dashing, blond Philip in Westminster Abbey.

He renounced his Greek title and became a naturalised British subject, and was made Duke of Edinburgh by the King.

The Duke and the Princess had the first of their four children, Charles, now the Prince of Wales, in 1948 and Anne, now the Princess Royal, in 1950.

They initially enjoyed a simple married life during stays on the island of Malta, where the Duke was stationed with the Navy.

But their marital bliss changed forever when George VI died on February 6 1952 and Princess Elizabeth became Queen.

Philip - whose naval career had come to an end - had to a define a new role for himself as his wife diligently took to her duties as head of state.

He accompanied the Queen around the world on Commonwealth tours and state visits and across the UK.

He also undertook many solo royal engagements on his own, becoming involved with hundreds of organisations - often as a hands-on president, and continued to do so over the decades.

He set about modernising Buckingham Palace after being told to keep out of the Queen's official duties, and reorganised the Balmoral and Sandringham estates, as well as becoming ranger of Windsor Great Park.

'I tried to find useful things to do,' he said about starting a footman training programme at the Palace.

In 1956, he set up the Duke of Edinburgh's Award - inspired by his time at Gordonstoun and his mentor and headmaster Dr Kurt Hahn.

It has become one of the country's best-known youth self-improvement schemes, with million across the globe gaining their bronze, silver and gold awards.

The Duke takes a great interest in scientific and technological research and development, as well as the conservation of nature.

After a gap of 10 years, the Queen and Philip welcomed two more children - Andrew, now the Duke of York, in 1960, and Edward, now the Earl of Wessex, in 1964.

The Duke has been depicted as a tough but caring father.

Born at the family home, Mon Repos in Corfu Greece - allegedly on the kitchen table - on June 10 1921, Philip came to Britain when he was just one year old (pictured in July 2012)

Prince Philip of Greece (second left) with his schoolmates at the MacJannet American school in St Cloud, France in 1929

A keen sportsman, the young prince is pictured here at school during an athletics championship 

Philip waterskiis off Marmaris, Turkey, during the Mediterranean Fleet's summer cruise while serving on HMS Magpie in 1951

An accomplished sportsman, he played polo regularly until 1971 and then took up four-in-hand carriage driving, representing Britain at several European and world championships.

A qualified pilot, he gained his RAF wings in 1953, helicopter wings in 1956 and private pilot's licence in 1959. His love of the sea never waned, and he competing regularly at Cowes Regatta.

The Duke witnessed first-hand the troubles faced by the Windsors in the 1990s - from the scandal surrounding Sarah, Duchess of York - who was caught having her toes sucked by her financial adviser - to the fall out of Charles and Diana's War of the Waleses.

When the Princess of Wales died suddenly in a car crash in 1997, Philip joined Charles, Princes William and Harry, and Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, in the solemn procession behind her funeral cortege.

The Duke also helped the Queen through the deaths of both her mother and sister in the Golden Jubilee year of 2002.

He has enjoyed good health throughout much of his life - recovering from a blocked coronary artery in 2011 and a bladder infection in 2012 - the latter leading him to miss the majority of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

He continued to take part in fast-paced, dangerous carriage-driving events, competing at international level until the age of 85.

When Princess Diana died suddenly in a car crash in 1997, Philip joined Charles, William, Harry and the Princess's brother, Earl Spencer, in the solemn procession behind her funeral cortege

In August 2012, the Duke was treated for a bladder infection and spent five nights in hospital in Aberdeen and missed the opening of the Paralympic Games. He is pictured leaving the hospital

The Duke of Edinburgh is shown a number of bats by Dr Chinmay Gupte (second right) and John Stephenson (right), during a visit to Lord's cricket ground in London yesterday

When he turned 90 in June 2011 he insisted on no fuss, but the Queen bestowed on him a new title - Lord High Admiral, titular head of the Royal Navy.

It was a touching tribute to the man who given up his military career to support his wife, and devote himself to royal service.

A symbol of continuity within the monarchy and public life, the Duke of Edinburgh is the person the Queen relies upon above all others.

Philip's first ever private secretary Michael Parker, a friend from the Navy, once revealed: 'He told me the first day he offered me my job that his job, first, second and last was never to let her down.'

Labour politician Chi Onwurah sparks anger after taking a jibe at the Duke of Edinburgh in 'shameful and wrong' Twitter posting 

Labour politician Chi Onwurah sparks anger after taking a jibe at the Duke of Edinburgh in 'shameful and wrong' Twitter posting 

A Labour politician sparked anger today by taking a jibe at the Duke of Edinburgh after he announced he is retiring from public duties after 70 years of dedicated service.

Chi Onwurah was branded 'shameful and wrong' after she suggested Prince Philip has led a cushy life.

Ms Onwurah, who was shadow business minister and is standing for re-election, wrote on Twitter: 'Congratulations to Prince Philip on retiring in financial security at time of his choosing from a job he enjoys #forthemanynotthefew #waspi'

Chi Onwurah, pictured on a march in 2015,has sparked anger by taking a jibe at the Duke of Edinburgh's retirement

The Labour candidate for Newcastle upon Tyne Central  took to Twitter to take a shot at the Prince, despite his years of loyal public service 

Her tweet refers to campaign refers to the 'waspi women' campaign which calls for women who have lost out by having their state pension age raised to be given more compensation.

Her comment immediately sparked an angry reaction online.

Nadhim Zahawi‏, who is standing for re-election as the Conserative MP for Stratford-on-Avon, wrote: 'That is shameful & wrong. 

'I am truly shocked by your comments. The Royal family should be kept out of politics. I hope you will apologise.'

Andrew Rosindell, Conservative candidate for Romford, said: 'Prince Philip has dedicated over six decades of his life to loyally serving the people of the United Kingdom and, at 95 years of age, he has made the understandable decision to that he will no longer carry out public engagements from the autumn of this year.

'I am disgusted by the comments made by Jeremy Corbyn's Labour candidate, Chi Onwurah, to imply Prince Philip is not a dedicated public servant. 

Tory candidate Nadhim Zahawi criticised the comments, describing them as shameful and wrong

'Prince Philip has gone 30 years beyond retirement age carrying out hundreds of engagements every year across Britain and indeed the world. 

'Yet along with Jeremy Corbyn's demand to scrap the monarchy, and his refusal to sing the National Anthem, one of his frontbenchers has now put out this tasteless comment.' 

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'I declare this thing open, whatever it is': The gaffe-prone Duke who often says what he shouldn't (but the public love him for it) 

At times witty, at other times, insensitive, Prince Philip has become known for being the most gaffe-prone member of the Royal Family, not shy of expressing his uncensored and often politically incorrect opinions on a variety of subjects. 

The Queen's 95-year-old husband, who has announced he will retire from royal duties in the Autumn, is renowned for his risque, off-the-cuff remarks while carrying out official engagements. 

From addressing Aborigines on a state visit to Australia in March 2002 and asking them if they 'still throw spears at one another', to asking singer Tom Jones if he 'gargled with pebbles' following the 1969 Royal Variety performance, his comments have been toe curling and hilarious in equal measures. 

 Here are some of them:

'British women can't cook' (in Britain in 1966).

'What do you gargle with, pebbles?' (speaking to singer Tom Jones after the 1969 Royal Variety Performance).

'I declare this thing open, whatever it is.' (on a visit to Canada in 1969).

'Everybody was saying we must have more leisure. Now they are complaining they are unemployed' (during the 1981 recession).

In a state visit to Australia in March 2002, the Prince asked Aborigines: 'Do you still throw spears at each other?' Cultural park manager William Brim replied: 'No, we don't do that any more'

'If it has got four legs and it is not a chair, if it has got two wings and it flies but is not an aeroplane, and if it swims and it is not a submarine, the Cantonese will eat it.' (at a 1986 World Wildlife Fund meeting).

'It looks like a tart's bedroom.' (on seeing plans for the Duke and Duchess of York's house at Sunninghill Park in 1988)

'Yak, yak, yak; come on get a move on.' (shouted from the deck of Britannia in Belize in 1994 to the Queen who was chatting to her hosts on the quayside). 

'We didn't have counsellors rushing around every time somebody let off a gun, asking 'Are you all right? Are you sure you don't have a ghastly problem?' You just got on with it.' (about the Second World War commenting on modern stress counselling for servicemen in 1995).

'How do you keep the natives off the booze long enough to get them through the test?' (to a driving instructor in Oban, Scotland, during a 1995 walkabout).

'If a cricketer, for instance, suddenly decided to go into a school and batter a lot of people to death with a cricket bat, which he could do very easily, I mean, are you going to ban cricket bats?' (in 1996, amid calls to ban firearms after the Dunblane shooting).

In one of his most infamous outbursts, the Duke of Edinburgh said that British students would become 'slitty-eyed' if they stayed in China. The state visit in 1986 became renowned for the incident, after he advised the youngsters: 'If you stay here much longer you will all be slitty-eyed'. In a BBC documentary to mark his 90th birthday, he remarked: 'I'd forgotten about it. But for one particular reporter who overheard it, it wouldn't have come out'

'Bloody silly fool!' (in 1997, referring to a Cambridge University car park attendant who did not recognise him).

'It looks as if it was put in by an Indian.' (pointing at an old-fashioned fusebox in a factory near Edinburgh in 1999).

'Deaf? If you are near there, no wonder you are deaf.' (to young deaf people in Cardiff, in 1999, referring to a school's steel band).

'They must be out of their minds.' (in the Solomon Islands, in 1982, when he was told that the annual population growth was 5%).

'You are a woman, aren't you?' (In Kenya, in 1984, after accepting a small gift from a local woman).

'If you stay here much longer, you'll all be slitty-eyed.' (to British students in China, during the 1986 state visit).

In 2013, spotting pretty Hannah Jackson, 25, on a trip with his wife to Bromley in Kent, the elderly royal turned to the policeman standing next to her and gestured towards her eye-catching peplum-style red dress which had a zip running the length of its front. 'I would get arrested if I unzipped that dress!' he exclaimed

'Your country is one of the most notorious centres of trading in endangered species in the world.' (in Thailand, in 1991, after accepting a conservation award).

'Oh no, I might catch some ghastly disease.' (in Australia, in 1992, when asked to stroke a Koala bear).

'You can't have been here that long - you haven't got a pot belly.' (to a Briton in Budapest, Hungary, in 1993).

'Aren't most of you descended from pirates?' (to a wealthy islander in the Cayman Islands in 1994).

'You managed not to get eaten, then?' (suggesting to a student in 1998 who had been trekking in Papua New Guinea that tribes there were still cannibals).

In Germany, in 1997, he welcomed German Chancellor Helmut Kohl at a trade fair as 'Reichskanzler' - the last German leader who used the title was Adolf Hitler.

Royal quip: The Duke of Edinburgh told this Filipino nurse at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital her country must be 'half empty', because so many of her compatriots have come to the UK to work for the NHS

'You're too fat to be an astronaut.' (to 13-year-old Andrew Adams who told Philip he wanted to go into space. Salford, 2001).

'I wish he'd turn the microphone off.' (muttered at the Royal Variety Performance as he watched Sir Elton John perform, 2001).

'Do you still throw spears at each other?' (In Australia in 2002 talking to a successful aborigine entrepreneur).

'You look like a suicide bomber.' (to a young female officer wearing a bullet-proof vest on Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, in 2002).

'Do you know they're now producing eating dogs for anorexics?' (to a blind woman outside Exeter Cathedral, 2002)

While visiting a London community centre group in July 2015, Philip asked a group of women 'who do you sponge off?' Ms Zamir, who founded the Chadwell Heath Asian Women's Network which meets at the centre, said: 'The Duke said to us 'who do you sponge off?' We're all married so it's our husbands. He was just teasing and it's similar to what I call my husband - the wallet'

'Well, you didn't design your beard too well, did you?' (to designer Stephen Judge about his tiny goatee beard in July 2009).

'There's a lot of your family in tonight.' (after looking at the name badge of businessman Atul Patel at a Palace reception for British Indians in October 2009).

'Do you work it a strip club?' (to 24-year-old Barnstaple Sea Cadet Elizabeth Rendle when she told him she also worked in a nightclub in March 2010).

'Do you have a pair of knickers made out of this?' pointing to some tartan (to Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie a papal reception in Edinburgh in September 2010).

'Bits are beginning to drop off.' (on approaching his 90th birthday, 2011)

'How many people have you knocked over this morning on that thing?' (meeting disabled David Miller who drives a mobility scooter at the Valentine Mansion in Redbridge in March 2012)

At a 400-strong Buckingham Palace reception for British Indians in October 2009, Prince Philip told Indian businessman Atul Patel: 'There's a lot of your family in tonight'. The Prince is pictured during the night

'I would get arrested if I unzipped that dress.' (to 25-year-old council worker Hannah Jackson, who was wearing a dress with a zip running the length of its front, on a Jubilee visit to Bromley, Kent, in May 2012)

'The Philippines must be half empty as you're all here running the NHS.' (on meeting a Filipino nurse at a Luton hospital in February 2013)

'Most stripping is done by hand.' (to 83-year-old Mars factory worker Audrey Cook when discussing how she used to strip or cut Mars Bars by hand in April 2013)

'(Children) go to school because their parents don't want them in the house.' (prompting giggles from Malala Yousafzai, who survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban after campaigning for the right of girls to go to school without fear - October 2013)

'Just take the f***ing picture.' (losing patience with an RAF photographer at events to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain - July 2015)

'You look starved.' (to a pensioner on a visit to the Charterhouse almshouse for elderly men - February 2017)

In 2015 an impatient Prince Philip was caught on camera during a photocall for the Battle of Britain and appeared to say: 'Just take the f***ing picture'

Other quotes:

• 'I'm just a bloody amoeba.' (on the Queen's decision that their children should be called Windsor, not Mountbatten).
• 'Gentlemen, I think it is time we pulled our fingers out.'(to the Industrial Co-Partnership Association on Britain's inefficient industries in 1961).
• 'Are you asking me if the Queen is going to die?' (on being questioned on when the Prince of Wales would succeed to the throne)
• 'If the man had succeeded in abducting Anne, she would have given him a hell of a time while in captivity.' (On a gunman who tried to kidnap the Princess Royal in 1974).
• 'I hope he breaks his bloody neck.' (when a photographer covering a royal visit to India fell out of a tree)
• 'If it doesn't fart or eat hay, she's not interested.' (on the Princess Royal)
• 'When a man opens a car door for his wife, it's either a new car or a new wife.' (on marriage).
• 'It's a pleasant change to be in a country that isn't ruled by its people.' (to Alfredo Stroessner, the Paraguayan dictator).
• 'Where did you get that hat?' (supposedly to Queen at her Coronation).  

'Sorry to hear you're standing down, sir.' 'Well I can't stand up much longer!' Prince Philip, 95, seals his retirement in typically humorous style as he prepares to end 70 years of royal duties

The Prime Minister set aside the election battle to pay tribute to Prince Philip's 'steadfast support' for the Queen.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn paid his own tribute as he thanked the Duke for his 'service to the country'.

Buckingham Palace announced this morning that the Duke, 95, would permanently retire from public engagements from this autumn.

Theresa May (pictured in the Cabinet room today) offered the nation's 'deepest gratitude' to the Duke of Edinburgh as he announced his retirement from public duties

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (pictured on the campaign trail in Bedford yesterday) paid his own tribute as he thanked the Duke for his 'service to the country'

Prince Philip will keep his public schedule today and was yesterday out and about at the Lords cricket ground.

Mrs May said: 'On behalf of the whole country, I want to offer our deepest gratitude and good wishes to His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh following today's announcement that he will stand down from public duties in the Autumn.

'From his steadfast support for Her Majesty the Queen to his inspirational Duke of Edinburgh Awards and his patronage of hundreds of charities and good causes, his contribution to our United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the wider world will be of huge benefit to us all for years to come.'

Mr Corbyn said: 'I would like to pay tribute to Prince Philip following his decision to retire from public service.

'He has dedicated his life to supporting the Queen and our country with a clear sense of public duty.

Nicola Sturgeon (pictured voting in Glasgow today) paid tribute to the Duke's lifetime of public service and charity work 

'His Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme has inspired young people for more than 60 years in over 140 nations.

'We thank Prince Philip for his service to the country and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.'

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: 'He has dedicated his life to public service and to supporting the Queen. He has more than earned his retirement.

'Prince Philip, as well as the support he has given the Queen and his own public services, he has done an amazing amount of charity work as well. 

'It think he has always gone about his public service with a healthy and sometimes mischievious sense of humour.

'People today will be appreciative of everything he has done and will want to wish him well and all the best for a peaceful and happy retirement.'

Ukip leader Paul Nuttall said:'Today we should honour the life of service to our Queen and nation by Prince Philip.

'For over 60 years he has been a dedicated public servant, and deserves our great thanks. Happy retirement Sir.' 

Tory grandee Sir Edward Leigh said: 'The decades of service to our nation of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh is a shining example, as he steps away from public duties I wish him well.'

The Duke, pictured at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2004, is a keen carriage driver

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson added his own tribute, saying: 'The Duke of Edinburgh has given the most extraordinary public service to this country for more than 60 years

'He has inspired generations of young people and helped to transform their lives

'Well into his 90s he has continued with public engagements with awe inspiring dedication and energy - as well as his trademark wit.'

The Mail story that went round the globe: Frenzied reaction to our exclusive Palace announcement (although some got it very wrong) 

The Daily Mail set the world alight with eager anticipation after it broke the news the Queen had called staff from across the UK to a top secret emergency meeting.

The exclusive story made headlines overnight and people waited with bated breath as news of Prince Philip's retirement unfolded across the globe over the next few hours. 

However a flurry of international speculation saw some media outlets get it wrong as they scrambled to report on the impending meeting.

French media mistakenly published stories incorrectly announcing the Duke of Edinburgh had died, while at lunchtime an Australian TV news channel reported the Queen was stepping down from her duties. 

And before the summit this morning The Sun mistakenly posted an obituary with the headline: 'Prince Philip dead at 95, how did the Duke of Edinburgh die, etc etc.' 

The secret summit was called by Buckingham Palace to announce that the Duke of Edinburgh (pictured today) would be stepping down from royal duties in the autumn

The exclusive story made headlines around the globe as people awoke to find a top secret summit had been called by Buckingham Palace

Palace aides said there was 'no cause for alarm' about the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh's health ahead of the meeting.  

The Sun story read: 'Prince Philip, otherwise known as the Duke of Edinburgh, was the husband of Queen Elizabeth II.

'He was married to Queen Elizabeth II. The pair had four children together - Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.' 

The article was swiftly removed from the website but continued to appear in Google searches.   

While The Sun declined to comment, a spokesman said a reporter had been asked to update an obituary for Prince Philip when it was accidentally published online.  

Buckingham Palace was surrounded by the media as the world waited with bated breath

Royal sources had said there was 'no cause for alarm' about the couple's health ahead of the meeting - which was closely watched by the world's media

An obituary paying tribute was accidentally put online before Buckingham Palace announced The Duke of Edinburgh, who is 95, will no longer carry out public engagements from the autumn of this year

While the story was swiftly removed from the website, it continued to appear in Google searches

Australian presenter Tracy Grimshaw also suffered a royal blunder when she wrongly announced the Queen was retiring from public life - instead of Prince Philip.

The presenter of A Current Affair said she had 'confirmation' of the 'significant' news during a live cross with the program's UK correspondent Michael Best outside Buckingham Palace.

Grimshaw was reading details through an earpiece while presenting the breaking story when she made the error, for which she was swiftly corrected.

A Current Affair's Tracy Grimshaw wrongly announced the Queen was retiring from public life

Pound rallies after Prince Philip's retirement announcement after markets were spooked by rumours over his and Queen's health

The value of the pound rallied to its strongest point in days after Buckingham Palace announced Prince Philip's retirement from royal duties

Pound rallies at Prince Philip retirement announcement after markets had been spooked by rumours over his health

The value of the pound rallied to its strongest point in days after Buckingham Palace announced Prince Philip's retirement from royal duties.

Currency charts showed British Sterling plummet against the US Dollar earlier this morning as speculation about the Queen and Prince Philip's health dominated social media around the world.

However the pound began to recover shortly after Buckingham Palace sources suggested the meeting had nothing to do with a death or illness.

The pound was at 1.2879 dollars as most of the country woke up this morning, but dipped suddenly to 1.284.

The value of the pound rallied to its strongest point in days after Buckingham Palace announced Prince Philip's retirement from royal duties

As news from the Palace filtered in that it was 'nothing to be concerned about', the pound strengthened to above 1.29, its strongest showing in a week.

At 10am, it was finally revealed that Prince Philip is to retire from all public royal duties at the age of 95, with the 'full support of the Queen'.

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'Got a new corgi. Just thought you'd all want to know': Twitter memes frenzy as world tried to guess to what the Queen's #BuckinghamPalace announcement was about 

As soon as the Queen called her staff to a meeting at Buckingham Palace, it was inevitable the internet would be awash with fevered speculation.

Her Majesty's most senior aides called her entire household from across Britain to London for a summit to announce that the Duke of Edinburgh would be stepping down from royal duties in the autumn. 

But before the top secret meeting, creative social media users around the world immediately seized the opportunity to put their talents to the test and mock up comical tweets speculating on the possible agenda.

From Harry Potter themed graphics to those suggesting Her Majesty may become the next Doctor Who and Prince Harry getting married - here we look at some of the most hilarious, far-fetched and imaginative memes.

What retirement? Duke of Edinburgh and Queen attend service at St James's Palace an HOUR after his announcement

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh appeared in public just an hour after announcing Philip's retirement from public duties.

Her Majesty joined 95-year-old Philip for the Order of Merit service at St James's Palace in London this morning, after Buckingham Palace released a statement declaring the Duke's impending retirement in the autumn.

Concerns for the royal couple mounted royal aides were called to the palace last night for an emergency staff meeting.

But pair both appeared to be in good spirits this morning as they joined guests including playwright Tom Stoppard at the Chapel Royal for the service just after 11.30am, followed by a lunch.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh appeared in public just an hour after announcing Philip's retirement from public duties 

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh leaving the Chapel Royal with Reverend Canon Paul Wright this morning. From the autumn, they will no longer attend public engagements together

It was business as usual for the 95-year-old royal as he accompanied the Queen to the event, his 26th public engagement of 2017.

Dressed in a blue suit, and wearing his Order of Merit (OM) medal around his neck, Philip stepped unaided from the huge dark green royal Bentley after the short journey from Buckingham Palace.

With his usual military bearing, straight-backed and with his hands clasped behind him, he walked in behind the Queen, who was dressed in a lilac outfit, with just a glance towards the waiting cameras.

They joined members of the Order for a private service in the Chapel Royal before the reception.

The royal couple then posed with the whole order for an official photograph.

The Order of Merit was created in 1902 by Edward VII to honour leaders in the arts, sciences, culture and military and is limited to just 24 living members. 

Members at the event on Thursday included conservationist and television presenter Sir David Attenborough, the artist David Hockney, the former Commons speaker Betty Boothroyd, entrepreneur James Dyson and ex-prime minister of Australia John Howard.

Past members have included Florence Nightingale (the first female member), composers Edward Elgar, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Benjamin Britten, writers Thomas Hardy and T. S. Eliot, Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela. 

Both the Queen and Philip seemed in good spirits as they met members after the service. 

John Howard, former Prime Minister of Australia, with wife Jannette arriving at Chapel Royal in St James's Palace, this morning

Sir James Dyson (left) and Lord Foster of Thames Bank arriving at St James's Palace, London, for an Order of Merit service. The meeting was last held at Windsor Castle

Sir Tom Stoppard arriving at Chapel Royal for the Order of Merit service which honours individuals of great achievement in the fields of the arts, learning, literature and science

Philip smiled and shared jokes with several of the luminaries present, including Sir David, another public figure who has continued to work into his 90s.

Outside the palace tourists waited to try to catch a glimpse of the royal couple as they arrived.

Emma Sandvick, 31, from Brisbane in Australia, said: 'He deserves to retire from royal duties, he has served his county well.

'He definitely deserves a break.'

Alan Doyle, 47, a guide with London Tailored Tours, added: 'He has supported the Queen, he's been her rock.'

Mary Ellen Doyle, a retired hospital administrator from Charleston, South Carolina, said: 'I wish him a good number of years as his life continues.'

COULD PRINCE PHILIP'S RETIREMENT MEAN THE START OF £369MILLION PALACE REFURBISHMENT?

Pictured: This graphic shows what important works needed to be completed at Buckingham Palace over the next decade

Buckingham Palace, pictured, is to undergo a £370million 'essential' refit over the next decade, it was announced last November

Royal staff may have been summoned to a meeting to discuss the £369 million of refurbishments at Buckingham Palace.

Former royal press secretary Dickie Arbiter, the Queen's press chief for some 12 years, took to Twitter today and hinted the meeting could be about impending palace renovations.

He wrote on Twitter: 'Staff meetings are called from time to time nothing unusual & could well be about the Buckingham Palace refurbishment.'

He added: 'The Lord Chamberlain, as head of the Royal Household, has called a staff meeting as he has done in previous years.'

The Queen is set to have the builders in at Buckingham Palace – for the next ten years – at a cost of an eye-watering £369 million funded by public money.

The bill for the work, the biggest refurbishment undertaken at her official London residence since before the Second World War, will be met by taxpayers via the Sovereign Grant.

It is the first major refurbishment of the building since the early 1950s, with work needed to repair damage caused in World War II bombings during the reign of her father George VI.

The project will see ten miles of water pipes, 6,500 plug sockets, 500 pieces of sanitary ware (toilet, basins and the like) and 20 miles of skirting board replaced after experts warned there was 'serious risk' of fire and water damage to the palace and the priceless works of art it contains due to palace's perilous state of repair. 

The project will see ten miles of water pipes, 6,500 plug sockets, 500 pieces of sanitary ware (toilet, basins and the like) and 20 miles of skirting board replaced

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