Prince Phillip, 99, attends first Royal engagement in over a year
Sprightly Prince Philip, 99, steps out of retirement at Windsor Castle to pass historic Colonel-in-Chief title to Camilla in historic gesture – as she remains socially distanced 100 miles away in a parallel service at Highgrove House
- The Duke of Edinburgh transferred role as Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles to the Duchess of Cornwall today
- Philip, who retired in 2017, was nearly 100 miles apart from Camilla, as they both carried out ceremonies
- Philip, 99, was at Windsor Castle in Berkshire, while the duchess was at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire
- Duke was pictured with Queen to mark his 99th birthday last month – and at Beatrice’s wedding last Friday
By Rebecca English, Royal Editor, For The Daily Mail and Mark Duell for MailOnline
Published: 07:14 EDT, 22 July 2020 | Updated: 09:19 EDT, 22 July 2020
Ram-rod straight and still with a twinkle in his eye as he cracked a joke about a soldier’s fitness, the 99-year-old Duke of Edinburgh broke off from his well-deserved retirement for a brief military engagement today.
In his role Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles, Prince Philip appeared at Windsor Castle this afternoon to take part in the official hand-over of the position after an involvement of 67 years to his successor, the Duchess of Cornwall.
Amid extreme social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic, the Queen’s consort Philip was at Windsor for the three-minute ceremony, while Camilla had a similar event at her Gloucestershire home of Highgrove House.
The Duke has been Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles since its formation in 2007 but his connection stretches back further, as he has served as Colonel-in-Chief of successive Regiments which now make up The Rifles since 1953.
Camilla was appointed Royal Colonel of 4th Battalion The Rifles in 2007. Today, Philip stepped out of the castle’s Equerries Entrance, smart in his blazer, regimental tie and highly polished brogues, cheerily waving his hand.
The Assistant Colonel Commandant, Major General Tom Copinger-Symes, offered the salute and thanked him for his support and service to The Rifles, and their forming and antecedent Regiments.
The Duke of Edinburgh waves day as he arrives for the transfer of the Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles at Windsor Castle
Some 100 miles away at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire this afternoon, Camilla was officially welcomed to the regiment
Prince Philip smiles during the transfer of the Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles at Windsor Castle this afternoon
The Duke today takes part in a rare official public engagement in Windsor as he transfers his Colonel-in-Chief role
Philip, pictured today, has served as Colonel-in-Chief of successive Regiments which now make up The Rifles since 1953
He told him: ‘Your Royal Highness, Colonel-in-Chief, good morning. And happy Salamander Day [the annual regimental Day]. All Rifleman, whether serving or retired would like to thank you for 67 years of continuous service, support and leadership to the Rifles and to our forming and antecedent regiments.
‘And on this occasion, as you hand over your duties, as Colonel-in-Chief to her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Cornwall, we would like to wish you fair wind and following seas. And with that, Sir, may I have your leave for the Bugle Major to sound the Rifle Call and No More Parades.’
He later explained that the ‘fair wind and following seas’ was in reference to the duke’s distinguished naval service.
Four Buglers, of The Band and Bugles of The Rifles, then sounded The Rifles Assembly call, followed by the ‘No More Parades’ call, to mark The Duke of Edinburgh’s final ceremony as Colonel-in-Chief.
The Duke at Windsor Castle today, flanked by Assistant Colonel Commandant, Major General Tom Copinger-Symeas
The Duke of Edinburgh smiles at Windsor Castle today during a ceremony for the transfer of the Colonel-in-Chief of the Rifles
The Duke of Edinburgh is pictured at Windsor Castle during the ceremony which took place this afternoon
The Duke of Edinburgh speaks to a bugler at Windsor Castle during a ceremony for the transfer of the Colonel-in-Chief today
The Duke of Edinburgh stands ram-rod straight at Windsor Castle during a ceremony for the Colonel-in-Chief transfer today
Philip – who is a patron, president or a member of more than 780 organisations – has been officially retired since 2017, although he appeared on the balcony at the Cenotaph remembrance event in November that year.
But a palace spokesman said he had been asked by The Rifles if they could pay tribute to his service with a ceremonial event and, as he was at Windsor Castle, he was happy to facilitate it.
The Duke – who was also pictured after attending Princess Beatrice’s wedding last Friday – looked in good health and smiled for photographers before standing ram-rod straight and listening to what was said.
WO2 Senior Bugle Major Simon Topp later said it was a ‘great privilege’ to speak to the Duke and he was ‘on excellent form’. Meanwhile royal expert Phil Dampier said: ‘Great to see the Iron Duke in rude health.’
The Duke of Edinburgh smiles as he speaks to a bugler at Windsor Castle during the ceremony this afternoon
The ceremony at Windsor began today when four Buglers, of The Band and Bugles of The Rifles, stood to attention
Prince Philip smiles during the transfer of the Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles at Windsor Castle in Berkshire this afternoon
The Buglers sounded The Rifles Regimental Call, followed by the ‘No More Parades’ call, during today’s ceremony at Windsor
The Duke of Edinburgh waves as he takes part in the transfer of the Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles at Windsor Castle today
Royal expert Mr Dampier, who wrote a 2012 book on Philip, tweeted today: ‘After health problems last winter, Prince Philip seems back on top form. Onward to 100!’
When Prince Philip said what he shouldn’t: Some of the Duke’s most famous quotes
Prince Philip has become known over the years for his unashamedly non-PC comments.
The Duke has realised his own capacity for making gaffes, and even has a word for it, ‘Dontopedalogy’.
Here are some of his most legendary gaffes:
- ‘If you stay here much longer you will all be be slitty-eyed’ – speaking to youngsters in China during a state visit in 1986
- ‘Do you still throw spears at each other?’ – speaking to an Aboriginal cultural park owner in Australia in 2002
- ‘I would get arrested if I unzipped that dress!’ – speaking to a policeman next to a woman in a red dress in Bromley, South London, in 2012
- ‘Who do you sponge off?’ – speaking to a group of women at Chadwell Heath Community Centre in East London in 2015
- ‘Just take the f****** picture’ – during a photocall for the Battle of Britain anniversary in 2015
- ‘The Philippines must be half-empty – you’re all here running the NHS’ – speaking to a Filipino nurse at the opening of the Luton and Dunstable Hospital in 2013
Immediately afterwards at Highgrove, the arrival of Camilla was marked by four Buglers of The Band and Bugles of The Rifles sounding The Rifles Assembly.
The Duchess was addressed by The Rifles’ Colonel Commandant, General Sir Patrick Sanders, who welcomed her as the new Colonel-in-Chief.
The Buglers then sounded The Rifles Regimental Call and The Advance, following which Camilla met the Buglers and a small party from 4th Battalion The Rifles, before retiring for an audience with General Sanders.
Camilla, who was wearing a Rifles brooch to mark the occasion, wore a bespoke bottle-green dress with black trim, modelled on the Rifles’ uniform.
The buttons of the dress have bugles on them and are the same buttons as worn on the soldiers’ tunics.
July 22 is celebrated each year by The Rifles as their Regimental Day, which commemorates the Battle of Salamanca during the Peninsula War in 1812, at which all four forming regiments of The Rifles fought together and were victorious against the army of Napoleon.
The duchess has been Royal Colonel of 4th Battalion The Rifles since 2007 and will continue to hold the position.
She supported the battalion during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, writing to next of kin, sending letters to the injured, and meeting families – as well as the traditional medals parades.
Most recently, Camilla visited New Normandy Barracks in Aldershot in May last year to present service medals and meet members of the battalion and their families.
The duchess also has personal links to military organisations connected to her father, Major Bruce Shand, who was awarded two Military Crosses.
Two battalions of The Rifles today form part of the celebrated 7th Infantry Brigade, otherwise known as the Desert Rats, with whom Major Shand served, and the duchess is patron of The Desert Rats Association.
Speaking before the ceremony, General Sanders said: ‘We feel it’s a bittersweet day because we’re enormously proud of our association with the Duke of Edinburgh who has been the most amazing Colonel-in-Chief and we’ve really flourished under his tenure.
‘But it’s also really special to have the Duchess of Cornwall coming in because she has a long association with The Rifles.
The Duchess of Cornwall smiles as she becomes Colonel-in-Chief for the Rifles at Highgrove House this afternoon
Camilla smiles as she becomes Colonel-in-Chief for the Rifles at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire this afternoon
The Duchess of Cornwall at Highgrove House, during a ceremony for the transfer of the Colonel-in-Chief of the Rifles today
‘She has been absolutely inspiring and the support that she’s given and the way that she sustained that through some quite difficult and bloody tours.’
Philip was recently pictured with the Queen at Windsor to mark his 99th birthday on June 10, and at Princess Beatrice’s wedding last Friday.
He was last seen at a big event when he was a guest at Lady Gabriella Windsor’s wedding in May 2019. The ceremony this afternoon is Philip’s first engagement in more than a year.
In June 2019, he held an audience when he received General Sir Nicholas Carter who was relinquishing his appointment as Colonel Commandant of The Rifles.
JULY 17, 2020: The Duke of Edinburgh with the Queen after Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi’s wedding, standing socially distanced outside The Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge in Windsor last Friday
JUNE 6, 2020: The Queen and Prince Philip pose in the quadrangle of Windsor Castle to mark Philip’s 99th birthday on June 10
MAY 18, 2019: The Duke of Edinburgh shares a joke with the Duke of Sussex as they leave following the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle last year
DECEMBER 24, 2019: Prince Philip leaves King Edward VII’s Hospital in London on Christmas Eve last year after having treatment relating to a ‘pre-existing condition’. His stay was described as a ‘precautionary measure’ by Buckingham Palace. Philip left hospital after four nights and travelled to Sandringham to spend Christmas with the Queen
MAY 11, 2019: Philip takes his seat in the royal box with the Queen for the Royal Windsor Horse Show’s pageant event last year
MAY 9, 2019: The Duke of Edinburgh is seen driving a carriage at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Berkshire last year
MAY 7, 2019: The duke makes a rare appearance at a royal engagement, joining the Queen and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough at a luncheon for Order of Merit members at Windsor Castle
On August 2, 2017, Philip carried out his final official engagement as he retired from public duties. Camilla was appointed Royal Colonel of 4th Battalion The Rifles in 2007 and will continue to hold this position.
Philip’s links to The Rifles stretches back to 1953 when he was appointed Colonel-in-Chief of The Wiltshire Regiment (Duke of Edinburgh’s).
He has served in the position for successive regiments which now make up The Rifles since, and has been Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles since its formation in 2007.
Camilla was appointed Royal Colonel of 4th Battalion The Rifles in 2007.
What has Prince Philip been up to over the past 18 months? Duke’s recent appearances revealed as he carries out a rare engagement at Windsor Castle
The Duke of Edinburgh retired nearly three years ago after decades of royal service. Philip, 99, has kept himself busy, holding audiences, attending royal weddings and meeting new additions to the family.
He survived a car crash early in 2019, emerging unscathed when his vehicle flipped over after colliding with another carrying two women and a baby.
The duke has been staying at Windsor Castle with the Queen for the past 18 weeks in HMS Bubble – the nickname given to the couple’s reduced household of devoted staff during lockdown.
As Philip briefly steps out of retirement to carry out a rare official public engagement this afternoon, here is a look at what he has been up to over the past year and a half:
2019
- January 17 – The duke is involved in a car crash when the Land Rover Freelander he is driving overturns after hitting another vehicle carrying two women and a baby near the Sandringham estate.
- January 19- Photographs emerge of Philip driving a Land Rover without his seat belt on at Sandringham just two days after the crash.
- January 27 – It emerges that the duke has written to passenger Emma Fairweather wishing her a ‘speedy recovery from a very distressing experience’.
- February 9 – Buckingham Palace announces that Philip has voluntarily surrendered his driving licence ‘after careful consideration’.
- February 14 – The Crown Prosecution Service confirms that the duke will face no further action in relation to the accident.
- April 19 – Philip becomes the third oldest royal in British history, overtaking Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone, who was 97 years and 10 months when she died in 1981.
- May 7 – The duke makes a rare appearance at a royal engagement, joining the Queen and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough at a luncheon for Order of Merit members at Windsor Castle.
- May 8 – Philip is pictured with his new great-grandson, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, son of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
- May 9 – The duke is seen driving a carriage at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
- May 11 – Philip takes his seat in the royal box with the Queen and the Duke of Sussex for the horse show’s pageant event.
- May 16 – Philip receives Martin Palmer, secretary general, Alliance of Religions and Conservation, at Windsor Castle.
- May 18 – The duke looks in fine form as he attends Lady Gabriella Windsor’s wedding in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
- June 10 – Philip turns 98.
- June 21 – The duke holds an audience with General Sir Nicholas Carter, who is relinquishing his appointment as Colonel Commandant of The Rifles.
- November 20 – The Queen and Philip reach their 72nd wedding anniversary, spending the day separately, with the monarch in London and the duke at Sandringham. On the same day, the Duke of York steps down from royal duties amid the Epstein scandal.
- December 20- The duke is admitted to King Edward VII’s Hospital in central London for treatment relating to a ‘pre-existing condition’. His stay is described as a ‘precautionary measure’ by Buckingham Palace.
- December 24 – Philip leaves hospital after four nights and travels to Sandringham to spend Christmas with the Queen.
2020
- March 19 – The duke travels from Sandringham to Windsor Castle to stay with the Queen ahead of the nation going into lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic.
- April 20 – In his first major statement since his retirement, Philip praises key workers including refuse and postal staff who have been keeping essential services running.
- June 10 2020 – The duke turns 99 and is photographed with the Queen to celebrate the occasion.
- July 17 – The duke attends his granddaughter Princess Beatrice’s secret lockdown wedding.
- July 22 – In his first official engagement in more than a year, Philip is to take part in a ceremony at Windsor to hand over his role of Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles to the Duchess of Cornwall, who will be at Highgrove.
