Prince Philip begins his final tour of royal duties
Prince Philip has attended his final ceremonial engagement ahead of his retirement from public duties in August 2017.
The Duke of Edinburgh announced in May he would be stepping down from his royal duties this year, a decision that was fully supported by the Queen.
The 96-year-old has just two official engagements left until his retirement life begins.
On Tuesday night, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip formally welcomed King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain for a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.
Her Majesty, the Spanish Queen and the Duchess of Cambridge all dazzled in tiaras on the night.
According to the Daily Mail, the Duke’s two remaining official duties include the Annual Meeting at the Royal Geographical Society next week, followed by a reception at Canada House the following day.
An official statement from the 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.”
To honour and celebrate nearly 70 years of marriage to the Queen and his role as Duke of Edinburgh, we look back at Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth together through the years. Scroll through the gallery above to see photos of the royal couple throughout the decades.