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The Duke of Edinburgh is carrying out his final official royal engagement today but the Queen will continue with her duties.

Buckingham Palace said: "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." Political leaders and well-wishers have rushed to pay tribute to Prince Philip, who has been the royal consort for 65 years – making him the longest serving British consort ever. But why is Prince Philip not king?

Prince Philip in pictures Thu, June 7, 2018 Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh in pictures. Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 77 Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh smiles as he speaks with guest at a garden party at Buckingham Palace

Under British law, women automatically take on the feminine version of their husband’s titles. But the same is not true for men. So while Diana became Princess of Wales when she married Prince Charles, Philip did not become British royalty through his marriage to Elizabeth. Similarly, Prince Albert was never a king through his marriage to Queen Victoria. Philip was born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark. WHAT WAS PRINCE PHILIP LIKE AS A YOUNG MAN?

GETTY Prince Philip has announced that he will retire from public duties this year

GETTY The Queen and Prince Philip will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary this year