Prince Philip has largely stayed out of the spotlight since retiring from public duties in 2017. That's why many were surprised by the Duke of Edinburgh's recent statement amid the COVID-19 crisis. It's the first time Philip has spoken out since his retirement despite his continued affiliation with many organizations.
The 98-year-old released a statement in recognition of all the hard work done by scientists to find a vaccine. He also praised the essential workers who are keeping things running as smoothly as they can as everything unfolds.
Prince Philip is currently with Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle. The two took to Windsor a week earlier than their scheduled Easter visit. They are expected to stay there until stay-at-home orders are lifted. The reassurance the public has received from Philip and Queen Elizabeth, who will celebrate her 94th birthday on Tuesday, has been a great comfort to Brits everywhere.
Prince Philip is a member of the royal family who is still very deeply respected and cared about. The Duke of Edinburgh retired from public duties in 2017. He had built an incredible record of service, having carried out 22,219 solo engagements since 1952.
Philip surprised many by recently releasing his first statement since his retirement. The 98-year-old spoke out about the current COVID-19 crisis ahead of World Immunization Week.
"As we approach World Immunisation Week, I wanted to recognize the vital and urgent work being done by so many to tackle the pandemic; by those in the medical and scientific professions, at universities and research institutions, all united in working to protect us from COVID-19," he began.
"On behalf of those of us who remain safe and at home, I also wanted to thank all key workers who ensure the infrastructure of our life continues; the staff and volunteers working on food production and distribution, those keeping postal and delivery services going, and those ensuring the rubbish continues to be collected," he concluded.
Prince Philip has continued relationships with over 750 organizations. The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the Royal Academy of Engineering are two among those that have contributed to the essential work currently happening.
Philip and Queen Elizabeth have been at Windsor Castle since March 19. Philip was flown in from Wood Farm, his residence on the Sandringham estate where he's enjoyed increased time since retiring. It's believed the couple, who are at a high risk due to their ages, will remain there as long as stay-at-home orders are in place.
Prince William recently expressed his concern for his grandparents. "I think very carefully about my grandparents who are, you know, at the age they're at, and we're doing everything we can to make sure that they're, you know, isolated away and protected from this," William explained to BBC Breakfast.
"But it does worry me, you know, what's going to happen to a lot of the vulnerable people and the high-risk people who are going to potentially have to isolate away for quite some time, and the impact that's going to have on them and on families up and down the country having to do that."
Philip was last spotted publicly in May 2019. He accompanied Queen Elizabeth and Prince Harry to the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston. It came after a rough few months for the Duke of Edinburgh.
In January 2019, there was quite a scare when Philip was involved in a car accident. He was driving on a public road near Sandringham when he collided with another driver. His Range Rover flipped over, but he was not injured. He did receive criticism for continuing to drive at 97 years old.
The end of 2019 also was scary for Philip. He was hospitalized just days before the family's Christmas gathering at Sandringham. While the reason why wasn't revealed, it was noted that it was prescheduled. He was released in time for Christmas with the family.
These days, Philip has been spotted getting around Sandringham and Windsor Castle in a horse and carriage. He enjoys his retirement with leisurely activities. While he no longer shoots due to getting a stent, he stays busy entertaining friends, reading, and painting.
Queen Elizabeth will celebrate her 94th birthday Tuesday. It will be the first time her birthday isn't marked by a traditional royal gun salute. In an ever-changing world, many speculate it won't be long before the Queen joins her husband in retirement. Regardless of their positions as working royals, the two are beloved by the public and symbolic of lives dedicated to service.
