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Prince Philip, 99, retired from royal life in 2017 and has mostly stayed out of the public sphere since. However, on Wednesday the Duke of Edinburgh stepped out at Windsor Castle for a special royal engagement and proved he was a source of inspiration for many Britons.

Ahead of July 22, the Duke of Edinburgh had not been seen in public since he left hospital in London on Christmas Eve last year.

He was admitted to King Edward VII for treatment of a pre-existing health condition ahead of Christmas and has been plagued by rumours of ill-health ever since.

However, Philip’s latest appearance helped to qualm health fears for the Duke who is in his 100th year.

The Duke managed to walk down the steps at Windsor unaided and stood tall throughout the service.

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The ceremony took place to mark the Duke’s retirement from his ceremonial military roles as Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles.

He passed on the beloved title to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall who took part in a separate ceremony at Highgrove House.

One royal expert has claimed Prince Philip’s latest appearance shows he is a “role model” for “Britons of advanced age.”

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told Express.co.uk: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s cheerful wave, ramrod stiff bearing and his obvious enjoyment of the ceremony at Windsor, when he handed over the role of Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles to the Duchess of Cornwall, is a boost to the nation’s morale.”

He added: “This is not only because he is the much respected Consort and ‘strength and stay’ of the Queen.

“It is also because he, together with the Queen who is 94, are both role models for the increasing number of Britons of advanced age.

“He seemed in splendid form and although he retired aged 97 in 2017 and is seen in public very rarely, it lends a very special cachet to an event when he does appear.

“His last engagement, in June 2019, also involved The Rifles, this is symbolic of the special importance the royal family attach to their military links, which go back many centuries.”

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A body language expert analysed Prince Philip’s latest appearance for Express.co.uk.

Body language analyst and author Judi James said: “he word ‘sprightly’ looks designed to define Prince Philip’s body language as he emerged beaming and upright on his first formal outing for a long time this week.”

She added: “He snapped to attention, standing as upright as a much younger man, and despite a subtle grimace of his mouth, he soon adopted his signature pose of the behind the back hand clasp.

“Philip’s grin told us he was delighted to be making this rare appearance and there was a twinkle in his eye that hinted he knew he was astounding people who had expected the worst about his condition now he has retired from royal life.”

Last week Prince Philip and the Queen also attended Princess Beatrice’s royal wedding in Windsor.

The grandparents featured alongside Beatrice and Edoardo in one of the few wedding photos shared with the public.

The secret ceremony is said to have taken place ahead of the Queen and Philip’s departure from Windsor Castle where they have been isolating since March.

Philip and the Queen are due to leave Windsor Castle and travel to Balmoral in early August.

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