The Duke of Edinburgh's decision to step down from public duties has been met with tributes praising his contribution to national life - and a lighthearted quip from Philip himself.
The Queen's consort will retire from royal engagements in the autumn after more than 65 years supporting the Queen in her role as head of state and attending events for his own charities and organisations.
Despite being 95, Philip's decision - which is fully supported by the Queen and is not medically related - came as a surprise as he still has a busy official diary and appears to relish meeting the public.
Prime Minister Theresa May led the tributes to the Queen's consort, saying he has given the monarch "steadfast support'', while Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the Duke's ''clear sense of public duty'' had inspired people for more than 60 years.
In a statement issued by Downing Street, Mrs May said: ''From his steadfast support for Her Majesty the Queen to his inspirational Duke of Edinburgh Awards and his patronage of hundreds of charities and good causes, his contribution to our United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the wider world will be of huge benefit to us all for years to come.''
A royal aide said of the Duke: "He's looking forward to enjoying more of his leisure time.''
Philip saw the funny side of the announcement when he met mathematician Sir Michael Atiyah at a reception for members of the Order of Merit at St James's Palace.
When Sir Michael, who is 88, said to him: "I'm sorry to hear you're standing down," the Duke joked: "Well I can't stand up much longer".
The Queen's public schedule will continue as normal but it is understood other members of the Royal Family will ''step up'' in support of the monarch.
The royal aide added: ''This is not a decision taken for medical reasons. The Duke decided this is the right time; he's nearly 96 and most people will have retired 30 years earlier.''
It is understood the Duke had been thinking about stepping down from public duties over the past few months and took the decision to make the announcement now as his diary for the autumn would have been finalised during this period.
But Buckingham Palace stressed he may decide to attend certain events from time to time.
The Palace said in a statement: ''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.''
Philip is famed for his quips and outspoken remarks that amuse and offend in equal measure but he also has a passionate interest in engineering and design, has written 14 books, many on a wildlife subject matter, including Birds From Britannia, and is a qualified pilot who speaks several languages.
When he opened the new Warner stand at Lord's cricket ground on Wednesday, the Duke joked just before he pulled a cord to expose a monument to his visit: ''You're about to see the world's most experienced plaque-unveiler''.
His decision to retire from public life comes after a momentous six-year period for the Royal Family, from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding in 2011, the Queen's 90th birthday celebrations last year and the Queen becoming Britain's longest-reigning monarch, passing her great-great grandmother Queen Victoria's record in September 2015.
Philip is expected to spend more time at Windsor Castle, where he is ranger of Windsor Great Park and has overseen major developments at the estate. Although he is not involved in its day-to-day running, he still takes a keen interest.
And despite withdrawing from public contact with his charities and organisations, the Duke will still keep in touch via correspondence - like signing certificates and sending messages.
The Queen will continue with her official duties as normal and will now have more solo engagements without the Duke but is likely to be joined by other members of the Royal Family who will also carry out additional engagements in support of her role as head of state.
The Duke of Cambridge has already announced he will be leaving his job as an air ambulance helicopter pilot in the summer with the intention of taking on more royal duties.
The Queen's household were called to Buckingham Palace for a special meeting to be told of the development but when news leaked out about the gathering there was wild speculation on the internet and social media about the reasons behind it.
Staff were bussed in from Windsor Castle for the address from the Lord Chamberlain, Earl Peel and the monarch's private secretary Sir Christopher Geidt but others from more distant royal residences were told locally.