Updated May 05, 2017 08:57:35

Photo: Prince Philip has made more than his fair share of public appearances. (AAP: Richard Hatherly)

In a few months Prince Philip, the self-proclaimed "most experienced plaque-unveiler" in the world, will put down the ceremonial scissors and step back from his very public role as the Queen's consort.

It's a significant moment — he's served the public for seven decades.

Over the years the Prince has had 22,191 solo engagements, 229 visits to Commonwealth countries, 408 visits to other nations and given 5,493 speeches.

Even though he is 96 next month he remains patron, president or a member of more than 780 organisations.

Photo: Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II met with Order of Merit members, including John Howard, after the announcement. (AP: John Stillwell)

Down Under, he has been repeatedly recognised for his work with honours.

For example, he is the only living Australian Field Marshal of the Army — the Prince was given the ceremonial rank in 1954.

And, of course, who could forget that controversial Australia Day knighthood? The one awarded for "an extraordinary life of service" that ultimately played a role in Tony Abbott's downfall.

Prince Philip's fans admire his sense of humour.

Those who have met him say he is quite funny. He certainly brings a bit of colour and movement to an ancient institution some say is stuffy or out of date.

But his critics point to his very long list of gaffes.

"Do you still throw spears at each other?" the Prince asked an Aboriginal elder in Australia in 2002.

While in 1986, he told British students in China they would end up "slitty-eyed" if they stayed in the country much longer.

The outspoken royal is undoubtedly a man of his era, one who would have probably been happier to remain in the Navy rather than spend his long life at the Queen's side and in the media's gaze.

Now, 30 years after the age most people slip into retirement, he is scaling things right back and handing over duties to some of the younger royals.

Some commentators speculate he is just pacing himself and don't think he will disappear from view entirely.

Others think he wants time to write his memoirs — no doubt he would have a good few stories to tell.

Either way few will blame him if he just puts his feet up.

Topics: royal-and-imperial-matters, human-interest, england, united-kingdom

First posted May 05, 2017 06:13:36