He is due to retire in the autumn but until then, Prince Philip is showing no signs of slowing down. The Queen's husband was pictured driving his carriage at the Royal Windsor Horse Show on Wednesday, an event he has regularly attended with his wife since 1943. The Duke appeared to be on good form as he took his carriage for a spin in the private grounds of Windsor Castle.
This will be one of the last events that the 95-year-old Prince takes part in before his upcoming retirement. Last week, Buckingham Palace announced that the father-of-four would be stepping down from official duties, with the support of the Queen. In a statement, they said that Philip would not be accepting new invitations for visits and engagements, although "he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time".
© Photo: RexPrince Philip has been carriage driving since 1971
They added: "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."
Philip's first appearance since retirement news
© Photo: RexThe Duke, 95, was attending the Royal Windsor Horse Show
However, it's likely that Philip will not retire completely from carriage driving. The Prince fell in love with the sport in 1971 after quitting polo. He has been very instrumental in the development of carriage driving and has represented Britain in three European championships and six world championships. Nigel Cawthorne, author of Prince Philip: I know I am rude but I like it, told HELLO! Online that the Duke will probably dedicate a lot of time to the sport when he retires. "I imagine he can still drive a horse and carriage, it is his favourite hobby," said Nigel.
In 2004, Philip revealed his passion in his book, 30 Years On and Off The Box Seat. "I am getting old," he wrote. "My reactions are getting slower and my memory is unreliable. But, I have not lost the sheer pleasure of driving a team through the British countryside." He added: "I have been fortunate to have had a longer innings than most, and I have no intention of giving up while I have a team of willing ponies and dedicated grooms."
