WINDSOR (UK) – Queen Elizabeth’s husband Prince Philip, 99, ended his 67 years of association with Rifles infantry regiment by handing over his patronage to Camilla, the wife of Prince Charles, on Wednesday.
Known for his humour and brusque manner, the former naval officer married Elizabeth in 1947, five years before she became the monarch. He has the record of being the longest-serving consort of any British ruler.
Since its formation in 2007, Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, has been colonel-in-chief of the Rifles. But his connection to the regiment goes back to 1953 when he served as colonel-in-chief of successive regiments which make up the Rifles.
Four buglers announced the arrival of Prince Philip at Windsor Castle and then sounded the “No More Parades” call to mark his final ceremony as colonel-in-chief.
Ahead of the ceremony, Philip had a chat with soldiers. He was seen wearing a suit and tie.
In a ceremony held at Highgrove House, nearly 100 miles (160 km) away in western England, Rifles’ Colonel Commandant General Sir Patrick Sanders welcomed Duchess of Cornwall Camilla as the new colonel-in-chief.
On June 10, the prince celebrated his 99th birthday. Though he stepped down from royal duties in August 2017 after completing more than 22,000 solo engagements, in recent years, he has been rarely seen in public.
He was present at the secret wedding of Princess Beatrice, elder daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York, on Friday.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field