Prince Philip, the 96-year-old husband of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, performed his final royal duty on Wednesday as he is expected to retire this week.
The Duke of Edinburgh, who announced his retirement in May, after about 65 years of supporting the Queen, met Royal Marines at Buckingham Palace today, in what was his final public appearance.
The British monarch, who served as a naval officer during World War II, has completed 22,219 solo engagements since 1952. He is captain general of the commando force.
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The Duke has also made 637 solo overseas visits, and by Wednesday, he will have delivered 5,496 speeches during his time as the longest-serving consort in British history.
Philip and the 91-year-old queen have taken a step back from royal duties in recent years, leaving their eldest son and heir Prince Charles and grandson Prince William to take their places.
The Duke was hospitalized for two nights in June for the treatment of an undisclosed infection.