THE news that His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh will be stepping down from public duties this autumn has sparked memories of his previous visits to the county.

HM the Queen, accompanied by her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, made her first visit to Ross-on-Wye on April 24th, 1957, just over 60 years ago.

Prince Philip was also by her side for their visit to Herefordshire for Diamond Day in 2012. The couple then separated to visit marquees set up for each of the market towns, and the representatives of Ross were thrilled to be introduced to Prince Philip.

The Prince, who is 95, will no longer carry out public engagements from the autumn of this year, Buckingham Palace has announced.

The Palace said in a statement that it was The Duke of Edinburgh’s decision, taken with the support of the Queen.

It said: “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.”

Speculation on social media went into overdrive yesterday after a meeting at Buckingham Palace was announced for the morning of Thursday, May 4th.

Television crews gathered outside the palace as news of the meeting for all household staff became a cause for concern. Meetings like this usually take place once a year but on this occasion speculation ranged from the Queen abdicating to a report of illness.

However, the announcement continued: “Prince Philip will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August, both individually and accompanying The Queen. 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.”