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The longest serving consort in British history, the Duke of Edinburgh is well known and loved for his no-nonsense approach and off-the-cuff comments. Coming out with numerous controversial remarks over the years, he once warned a group of Scottish students in China that they would become "slitty-eyed". And in a Glasgow factory, he pointed to a fusebox of loose wires and remarked that it looked like it had been installed by an "Indian". But the Duke is mostly known for his dedication to his wife - always been one step behind, ready to lend a hand, as the Queen takes centre stage. QUEEN AND PRINCE PHILIP LIVE - LATEST NEWS AS DUKE RETIRES

The gaffes that have made Prince Philip a national treasure Tue, August 1, 2017 A round-up of all the best Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, gaffes of all time. Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 25 'It looks like a tart's bedroom.' (on seeing plans for the Duke and Duchess of York's house at Sunninghill Park in 1988)

GETTY Prince Philip retires but still has the last laugh with a gaffe at engagement

Today, just hours after the news of his stepping down broke, the Queen and Prince Philip made an appearance at The couple attended the Chapel Royal of St James's Palace to attend an Order of Merit service. The pair waved to well-wishers from their car, and looked in high spirits. And Prince Philip, famed for his one-liners, didn't disappoint when a guest told the Duke of Edinburgh he was sorry to hear he was standing down. Prince Philip said: "I can't stand up much longer!"

GETTY Prince Philip stands down aged 95

PA Staff rushed to the palace for the surprise announcement

PA Prince Philip undertook 219 official engagements last year

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has decided that he will no longer carry out public engagements from the autumn of this year Buckingham Palace statement

Prince Philip is to celebrate his 96th birthday next month, just weeks after the Queen turned 91. Her Majesty and the Duke have both gradually begun to wind down the number of official duties and engagements, handing over her responsibilities to other members of the Royal family. But despite stepping down as patron from 25 national organisations, the Queen still takes part in more than 300 engagements every year. The Duke is involved in more than 780 organisations - which he stills plans to associate with following his retirement this autumn. Last year alone, Prince Philip undertook 219 official engagements in the UK - more than William and Harry put together. There was widespread concern across the Commonwealth for both Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s health over Christmas, eventually forcing her majesty to miss her traditional Christmas day service.

PA Prince Philip will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August Read more: http:/

PA The 95-year-old Duke of Edinburgh has well-earned his retirement

But both Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh were seen in good health Wednesday as the Queen met with Prime Minister Theresa May at Buckingham Palace while Philip made a jovial appearance at a London cricket club. At the Lord's engagement he joked he was the world's “most experienced plaque unveiler”. In a statement Buckingham palace said this morning: "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.

GETTY Crowds already started to gather at Buckingham Palace in the early hours of this morning

"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." The couple, who are due to celebrate their platinum, or 70th, wedding anniversary in November have been cutting their workload in recent years, passing on many responsibilities to son and heir Prince Charles, and grandsons, Princes William and Harry.

Live from the Palace: Prince Philip steps down from public duty Thu, May 4, 2017 The announcement comes after Her Majesty’s servants from as far afield as Balmoral were ordered to rush to the capital last night, and told to expect “major” news from the crown. Play slideshow EPA 1 of 20 Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh leaves Buckingham Palace in London, Britain, 04 May 2017. The Duke of Edinburgh, 95, will stand down from royal public events as of from Autumn 2017. The Queen will continue to carry out royal public engagements as usu

Politicians and senior public figures have already spoke out to pay tribute to the Duke, and thank him for his continued service to Britain. Despite local elections going ahead today, Theresa May took time out of her hectic campaign schedule to praise Prince Philip. “On behalf of the whole country, I want to offer our deepest gratitude and good wishes to His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh following today’s announcement that he will stand down from public duties in the Autumn. “From his steadfast support for Her Majesty the Queen to his inspirational Duke of Edinburgh Awards and his patronage of hundreds of charities and good causes, his contribution to our United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the wider world will be of huge benefit to us all for years to come.”

GETTY Prince Philip will turn 96 in june

While Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also paid his respects to the consort. He said: "He has dedicated his life to supporting the Queen and our country. We thank Prince Philip for his service to the country and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement." Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said: "Well, perhaps 30 years later than most people retire, the Duke of Edinburgh is announcing that that is what he is intending to do, and I think it is a moment to celebrate and take stock of the enormous achievements that he has made in his life so far, the enormous service he has given to his country, the service to countless charities he has supported, plus while being such a rock for Her Majesty the Queen. "I think it is a moment for us to be genuinely reflective of a great life well-lived and great achievements."

PA Prince Philip and the Queen will celebrate their 70th anniversary this year

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I know that even as he steps back from public life, the Duke will continue to be a huge support to the Queen. I wish him all the very best for a happy and peaceful retirement.” The announcement comes after Her Majesty’s servants from as far afield as Balmoral were ordered to rush to the capital last night, and told to expect “major” news from the crown. The special meeting was led by the Lord Chamberlain – the most senior officer of the Royal household.

GETTY Prince Philip is known for his commitment to his wife

The Queen's right-hand man Private Secretary Sir Christopher Geidt also spoke at the hastily called conference, with the subject remaining a secret to even longest serving members of staff ahead of the announcement. One Royal insider told the Mail: “Everyone is on tenterhooks. “Although meetings involving the entire Royal household are occasionally called, the way this has been done at the eleventh hour is highly unusual and suggests that there is something major to be disseminated. “But at the moment, only those closest to her genuinely know what on earth this is all about."

PA Prince Philip has met a huge array of celebrities - including Kylie Minogue

GETTY Theresa May expressed her "deepest gratitude" to the Duke