It has been announced by Buckingham Palace today (May 4) that Prince Philip will be stepping down from all public engagements in the North East and the rest of the country.
Prince Philip, who is officially known as the Duke of Edinburgh, will cease to attend these engagements from autumn this year.
As husband of her Majesty the Queen, he has accompanied her on various visits to the region – most notably to Alnwick Gardens in Northumberland.
The 95-year-old also came to the region as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, where he visited North East landmarks and areas of interest, including the Port of Sunderland and Gateshead International Stadium.
The Palace said in a statement it was the Duke’s decision taken with the support of the Queen.
The statement read: “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.
“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.”