The Duke of Edinburgh is retiring from public engagements at the age of 95.

Eastern Daily Press: Royals at Sandringham church service on Christmas Day 2014. Picture: ANTONY KELLYRoyals at Sandringham church service on Christmas Day 2014. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2014)

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Eastern Daily Press: The Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Anne walking to Christmas Day morning service at Sandringham. Picture: Ian BurtThe Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Anne walking to Christmas Day morning service at Sandringham. Picture: Ian Burt

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Buckingham palace said: '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.'

Earlier, there was a frenzy of speculation after it emerged staff from Royal residences across the UK, including Sandringham and Balmoral, had been summoned at short notice to London.

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They were addressed at 10am by the Lord Chamberlain and the Queen's private secretary Sir Christopher Geidt.

Yesterday the Queen and Prince Philip both fulfilled engagements.

The Queen met Prime Minister Theresa May at Buckingham Palace to formally agree the dissolution of parliament ahead of the general election, while Prince Philip attended Lord's Cricket Ground to open a new stand.