Duke to ‘wind down’ engagements as 90th birthday arrives
As the Duke of Edinburgh celebrates his 90th birthday, he says he will be easing back on official engagements before he reaches his “sell-by” date.
In a frank but reflective interview with the BBC, the Duke said: “I reckon I’ve done my bit, I want to enjoy myself for a bit now. With less responsibility, less rushing about, less preparation, less trying to think of something to say.
“On top of that your memory’s going, I can’t remember names. Yes, I’m just sort of winding down.”
Despite him not wanting a fuss to be made, well-wishers have recognised the significance of the day and more than 2,000 birthday cards have flooded into Buckingham Palace – 10 times the normal amount.
Duke a ‘remarkable man’ David Cameron
David Cameron has led the nation’s tributes to the Duke this week, speaking of the country’s gratitude for the work undertaken by Philip who supports or holds the patronage of more than 800 charities.
The Prime Minister described the prince as a “…remarkable man who has given years of his service to our country, someone who has defended his nation in time of war, a man who has stood alongside Her Majesty the Queen for over six decades, a man who has given his time and effort and passion to so many great causes up and down the country, across the Commonwealth and indeed the world”.
The formal celebration of the milestone will be held on Sunday when members of the Royal Family will attend a service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, followed by a reception.
Don't quote me - some of Prince Philip's most memorable lines
"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)
"Do you chaps still chuck spears at each other?" (In Australia, in 2002 talking to a successful aborigine entrepreneur)
"If it doesn't fart or eat hay, she's not interested." (on his daughter, the Princess Royal)
"Do you have a pair of knickers made out of this?" pointing to some tartan (to Conservative leader Annabel Goldie during a papal reception in Edinburgh in September 2010)
"It's a pleasant change to be in a country that isn't ruled by its people." (to Alfredo Stroessner, the Paraguayan dictator)
"Well, you didn't design your beard too well, did you?" (to designer Stephen Judge about his tiny goatee beard in July 2009)