FILE - In this Wednesday, May 3, 2017 file photo Britain's Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, smiles during his visit to Lord's Cricket Ground to open the new Warner Stand, in London. Buckingham Palace... (Associated Press) 
 
 LONDON (AP) — Queen Elizabeth II's husband, Prince Philip, will stop carrying out public engagements this fall, Buckingham Palace announced Thursday. 
 
 The palace said in a statement that Philip, who is 95, has the full support of the queen in his decision. He will continue heading numerous charitable organizations but will not play an active role attending engagements. 
 
 In the past Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, has suffered heart problems but has maintained a vigorous public schedule. The palace did not offer any new details about his health. 
 
 Earlier in the day, a report by Britain's Daily Mail of an unusual meeting of royal household staff sparked a worldwide wave of speculation about the health of the queen and Philip, including incorrect reports that the flag atop Buckingham Palace had been lowered to half staff. 
 
 The two appeared to be in good health Wednesday. The queen met with Prime Minister Theresa May at the palace and Philip made an appearance at a London cricket club. ||||| Rumors spread Wednesday that Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh had passed away. The longtime husband to Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II is 95 years old. Throughout his life, Philip has been known for his rambunctious personality, off the cuff remarks and the occasional public gaffe. Now he will live out his final years in peace. 
 
 Shortly before the announcement, Prince Philip was on hand for the opening of Warner Stand at Lord’s, a recently refurbished cricket arena in London. 
 
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 “Today is a landmark moment for the club and we are very grateful to His Royal Highness for joining us to celebrate the official opening of the Warner Stand,” Marylebone Cricket Club official Robert Ebdon said in a statement to the press. 
 
 “This truly outstanding facility will be enjoyed by visitors to Lord’s for many years to come.” 
 
 Photos of the appearance show Prince Philip laughing and joking around, while inspecting the cricket stand.
– Queen Elizabeth II's husband, Prince Philip, will stop carrying out public engagements this fall, Buckingham Palace announced Thursday. The palace said in a statement that Philip, who's 95, has the full support of the queen in his decision. He will continue heading numerous charitable organizations but will not play an active role attending engagements, the AP reports. In the past, Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, has suffered heart problems but has maintained a vigorous public schedule. The palace did not offer any new details about his health. Earlier Thursday, there was frenzied speculation among palace-watchers as royal staff from across the UK were summoned to a meeting. (Prince Philip was all smiles hours before the announcement was made.)