Duke of Marmalade
Imperial Majesty
- Joined
- May 19, 2007
- Messages
- 14,837
- City
- Frankfurt am Main
- Country
- Germany
I think it will depend on his health. By retiring, he can be absent from Major events like a state visit, without causing a stir. I don't think Philip is going yo disappear off to Sandringham and never be seen again. He will be like Henrik in Denmark, though more health driven. I think as long as he is feeling up to it, we will see him at part of the visit. Perhaps just the dinner. But there.
I agree. I think sometimes that people have no idea what it must mean for a 95 year old, even as robust as Philip, to perform the way he does. I know 2 people over 90 and both, even clear in thoughts, are unable to walk on their own but with a walking frame or, on good days, with a crane.
When looking carefully at recent footage of Philip at events it's clear to see how exhausting it is for him to walk without assistance. And he is from a generation NOT to show any weakness meaning to use a walking aid in public (one of the people over 90 I know - a male - won't leave the appartement any more for that reason).
So my guess is that he felt that it is no longer possible for him to go through full day events without help thus he'll retire. He might show himself from time to time when he feels he can do it.
And the truth is, especially when looking at Philip's face/skin: it's an absolute exception to get as far as Philip got, most people are long dead or at retirement homes at his age.