The Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to hospital last night as “a precautionary measure”, Buckingham Palace has said.
The 96-year-old is being treated for an infection arising from a pre-existing condition.
This is breaking news… more on the story as it emerges.
In May it was announced that Prince Philip was to retire from all royal public duties from autumn of this year.
Buckingham Palace released a statement saying the Duke of Edinburgh has the “full support of The Queen” in his decision.
Read more: “Highly unusual” emergency meeting called at Buckingham Palace
The statement began: “His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has decided that he will no longer carry out public engagements from the autumn of this year. In taking this decision The Duke has the full support of The Queen.”
It stated that while he would attend “previously scheduled engagements between now and August” he would not be accepting any new invitations after that.
They did add that “he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time”.
It confirmed the Queen would continue to carry out all her official engagements though.
Speculation was rife the morning of the announcement, when it was revealed the Queen’s entire household staff were summoned to a “highly unusual” emergency meeting at Buckingham Palace.
It was reported that “unusual vehicles” were seen driving into the palace.
According to the MailOnline staff from royal residences across the country were ordered to London by the Lord Chamberlain, the most senior officer of the Royal Household, as well as Her Majesty’s right-hand man, Private Secretary Sir Christopher Geidt.
As well as rumours about The Queen and Prince Philip’s health, some speculated that the announcement was to be engagement news for Prince Harry and girlfriend Meghan Markle.