Britain's Prince Philip retires from public engagements

By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

LONDON (AA) - Britain’s Duke of Edinburgh -- husband of Queen Elizabeth II -- will take part in a final public engagement on Wednesday before ending his royal appearances, a duty he has performed since 1952.

Prince Philip, also the Captain General of the Royal Marines, will meet soldiers at a parade to end a fund-raining activity by the commando force.

The 96-year-old announced his intention to step down from public appearances in May 2017.

Prince Philip “will not be accepting new invitations for visits and engagements, although he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time,” a statement read.

He had received treatment for an infection arising from a pre-existing condition in June.

Prince Philip was admitted to hospital three times in nine months between December 2011 and August 2012 and spent 11 days in hospital care because of a bladder infection in 2015.

The Queen and the Duke are to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on Nov. 20 this year.