Royals

Taking the reins: All hail action man Prince Philip

In the face of retirement, the Duke of Edinburgh gallops into off-duty fun.
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Prince Philip may be stepping down from his royal responsibilities but that isn’t stopping the 95-year-old from staying active.

Heading back into the saddle, Queen Elizabeth’s husband took his royal carriage for a morning ride through the park at Windsor Castle, ahead of the annual Royal Windsor Horse Show.

The event is something that is quite dear to the couple, who’ve been attending since 1943.

Taking charge: Philip enjoys a morning ride.

The Duke adores carriage driving.

The royal trotted with his four-horse-pulled carriage around the leafy area along the River Thames.

And his four-legged companions knew who was boss, listening to their Prince’s every command.

The beloved royal used to compete in carriage driving, but these days it is a dear hobby.

In 2004, the Duke spoke of his love for the sport in his book, 30 Years On and Off The Box Seat.

“I am getting old,” he penned.

“My reactions are getting slower and my memory is unreliable. But, I have not lost the sheer pleasure of driving a team through the British countryside.”

Adding, “I have been fortunate to have had a longer innings than most, and I have no intention of giving up while I have a team of willing ponies and dedicated grooms.”

We expect will still see quite a bit of the funny royal – especially at events he holds dear to his heart.

Last week, Buckingham Palace announced that Prince Philip will be stepping down from official duties, with the support of the Queen.

In a statement, they said that Philip would not be accepting new invitations for visits and engagements, although “he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time.”

The royal couple, pictured in 1949, have been attending the event for over 74 years.

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