As it turned out, the staff were assembled for the news that Prince Philip, the queen’s 95-year-old husband, will retire from public life starting in the fall. The Duke of Edinburgh made the decision himself and has the support of the queen, the palace said in a statement.

The news was significant but perhaps not particularly surprising. Philip has said before that he would like to scale back his duties. To use his language, it's best to retire “before you reach the sell-by date.”

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While there was worldwide interest in the news, Britons responded with trademark sarcasm and humor. A Twitter user who goes by the name Elizabeth Windsor — alas, it's a parody account — said that the duke's retirement will henceforth be known as #Drexit.

Some suggested the queen had delivered one of the best trolls of all times.

Others said that the prince was retiring so that he could wiggle out of meeting President Trump when he comes to Britain for a state visit later this year.

And many others had a humorous take on the announcement.

Arguably the best joke about Philip’s retirement came from the duke himself.

While at reception with the queen on Thursday afternoon, a guest said that he was sorry to hear that the royal was standing down.