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Prince Philip, 99, has stayed largely out of the public eye since his retirement from royal duty in 2017. However, on July 22 the Duke of Edinburgh re-entered the public sphere for a one-off engagement. One royal expert has claimed the Duke’s latest appearance is just what Britain needed in the wake of several very difficult months.

The Duke of Edinburgh delighted royal fans as he stepped out into the quadrangle at Windsor Castle for a key royal event.

He was there to officially step down from his ceremonial role as Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles and hand the title over to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

Philip, who turned 99 last month, had not been seen in public since he left hospital in London on Christmas Eve after being treated for a pre-existing health condition.

However, the Duke managed to put fears for his health to bed as he made his way down the steps unaided.

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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.”

According to Mr Fitzwilliams, the occasion had an impact because Britons hold the Duke of Edinburgh in high regard.

He said: “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.”

Mr Fitzwilliams said the Duke seemed in “splendid form” and the engagement was even more meaningful because he so rarely appears in public.

The royal commentator added: “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.”

Prince Philip’s latest appearance honoured the Royal Family’s long-standing military ties.

Mr Fitzwilliams said: “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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Asked why Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall was picked to inherit the role from Philip, Mr Fitzwilliams explained: “The Duchess, whose father was a war hero, already holds a number of military appointments.”

Camilla received her title in a separate ceremony held at Highgate House.

While Prince Harry has stepped away from the royal bubble he is still extremely proud of his military past and inherited a treasured royal title from Philip in 2017.

Prince Harry took on the role of Captain-General of the Royal Marines from his grandfather following his official retirement.

Asked if Harry may have made a likely choice for the Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles role had he not stepped down, Mr Fitzwilliams said: “We can only surmise whether Harry, had he still been a senior working member of the royal family would have succeeded his grandfather in the role instead as he did as Captain-General of the Royal Marines.”

A body language expert has claimed the Duke of Edinburgh’s “energetic” appearance has helped him quash any health fears.

Body language analyst and author Judi James told Express.co.uk: “The word ‘energetic’ looks designed to define Prince Philip’s body language as he emerged beaming and upright on his first formal outing for a long time today.”

She added: “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.”

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