Prince Philip has appeared in the quadrangle of Windsor Castle for a rare public engagement. The Duke of Edinburgh, 99, handed over his Colonel in Chief of The Rifles Regiment role to his daughter-in-law the Duchess of Cornwall in a short ceremony. The elderly royal has been shielding in Windsor Castle with his wife, the Queen, since the beginning of lockdown.

Philip, in particular, is in the high risk category for the pandemic due to his age and past health scares.

However, this didn’t stop the Duke from walking down the steps of the Equerries Entrance to thank the buglers.

Many royal fans were amazed at his appearance with one saying: “God bless him! My respect! I love this man! Bravo Prince Philip!”

Another added: “Aw it’s so good to see him again.”

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David McCarter praised the handover to Camilla : “She’s the right choice to hand it over to (well Camilla or Anne). Camilla always seems to really involve herself in her roles and patronages etc.”

Kim Richardson simply said: “Wonderful to see Prince Philip.”

One user was hesitant about the Duke’s activity: “He seems to hesitate at taking the steps. There should be an aide beside him.”

However, another disagreed, stating that it was “amazing” that he was unaided.

More to follow…