Prince Philip will retire from royal duties in the autumn, Buckingham Palace have announced. 

The Duke, who will turn 96 in June, made the decision himself and is fully supported by the Queen, a Palace spokesman said. 

Prince Philip is currently involved in more than 780 organisation and will continue his association, a statement read, but will no longer attend engagement or accept any new invitations. 

'Prince Philip will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August, both individually and accompanying the Queen,' the statement read.

'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 announcment marks the end of the nearly 70 years of public service from the Duke and in 2016 alone he carried out 110 days of engagements, making him the fifth most active Royal, according to the Court Circular listings. 

It came after speculation soared on social media with rumours of an all staff meeting in Buckingham Palace leaked and royal servants at residents across the UK called to London.

Buckingham Palace refused to say what the meeting was about but insisted it was not about either the Queen's or the Prince Philip's health. Despite these attempts to quash the rumours, fears spread of a royal death or the Queen's abdication.

News teams assembled outside Buckingham Palace amid the speculation.

A former press secretary to the Queen, Dickie Arbiter, suggested it could be about the looming refurbishment at Buckingham Palace.

Prime Minister Theresa May met the Queen yesterday afternoon to dissolve Parliament ahead of the General Election.

After the meeting Prince Philip appeared in good health as he opened a new stand at Lords Cricket Ground.

The Queen turned 91 last month and her husband Prince Philip will celebrate his 96^th birthday in June.