Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip Had A Busy Year Despite Duke’s 2017 Retirement

Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip — Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip managed to attend three engagements together in 2018. Pictured: The Queen, Prince Philip wait for the carriage carrying Princess Eugenie of York and her husband Jack Brooksbank to pass at the start of the procession after their wedding ceremony at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on October 12, 2018. Getty Images/Alastair Grant/AFP

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip both had a busy year despite the Duke of Edinburgh’s retirement in 2017.

Even though the royal couple only had a few public appearances together, they have enjoyed a great deal of time outdoors separately. In 2018, the Queen and Prince Philip attended two royal weddings together.

On May 19, Prince Philip surprised royal fans when he arrived at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s nuptials. He rode the royal car with his wife. Five months later, Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh also attended Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank’s wedding at the same venue.

Prince Philip also made an appearance at the Royal Windsor Cup alongside the monarch this year. In their photo, the couple is talking to each other while sitting on the stage. Prince Philip is wearing his signature suit and tie, and Her Majesty is wearing a peach ensemble.

The dad of four was also photographed riding his horse carriage on more than one occasion this year. Horse riding is something that Prince Philip enjoys even at his age of 97. Her Majesty, on the other hand, attended a slew of engagements either by herself or with the other members of the royal family.

Prince Philip’s retirement was announced last year, but a royal aide said that his decision had nothing to do with his health. In the statement released by the palace, it was confirmed that Prince Philip’s decision was supported by his wife.

Following the announcement, Prince Philip still attended some engagements with the Queen until August of last year.

“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. Her Majesty will continue to carry out a full program of official engagement with the support of members of the royal family,” the statement read.

The Queen has no plans to retire anytime soon or until she is able to work. During her coronation years ago, she vowed to serve the nation until the day she dies.