Prince Philip and The Queen's sweet embrace as he retires
Prince Philip has conducted his final solo public engagement, overseeing the Royal Marine’s Parade at Buckingham Palace in the rain.
The Duke of Edinburgh was wearing a raincoat and bowler hat as he met members of the Royal Marines and veterans, before taking the salute in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace.
Hundreds of people turned up to support the prince in his final solo appearance.
The military parade celebrated the end of a charity challenge which saw the marines run 2,678km over 100 days to mark the founding of the commando force in 1664.
Since Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne in 1952, Prince Phillip has conducted 22,219 public engagements.
In 1953, Prince Phillip was made captain general of the corps in 1953 taking over from the queen’s father king George VI.
He has been a president, patron or member of over 780 organisations and given nearly 5500 speeches.
Both the Duke and The Queen have reduced their royal duties in recent years as the younger family members increase their public engagements.
Buckingham Palace has shared the final photo of Prince Phillip on Twitter before his retirement, standing with The Queen, embraced arm in arm.
The Royal Family’s official Twitter said, “His Royal Highness may still attend events alongside The Queen from time to time."
Earlier this year, the palace said, "Her Majesty will continue to carry out a full program of official engagements with the support of members of the royal family.”
Image credit: The Royal Family via Twitter