Prince Philip to pursue carriage driving, reading and painting as he settles into retirement

PRINCE Philip will spend his retirement carriage driving, reading and ringing charities, it was revealed last night.

As the Duke of Edinburgh finally withdraws from engagements a month before his 96th birthday he will settle into the good life, pursuing his hobbies.

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Prince Philip will spend more time at Windsor Castle now he is no longer on official duties - but will not go so far as moving there permanently.

The expansive open space of Windsor Great Park is a prime location for one of his top hobbies - carriage driving.

As he begins his new life in the autumn, he is sure to be seen with horse whip in hand practising the sport he has supported and even written a book about.

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He is also a talented oil painter, avid reader and keen photographer.

It is also thought he will keep a close eye on the management of Windsor Great Park, where - prior to retirement - he is currently a ranger.

A palace source said: "He's looking forward to enjoying more of his leisure time.

"He will still be doing some official duties, including correspondence, so it's not a complete break."

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The Queen's husband will not put his feet up and will not be able to resist ringing his charities, experts claimed yesterday.

Dickie Arbiter, her Majesty's press secretary until 2000, said: "Look, the man is 96. Most 96-year-olds have got their feet up.

"Its taken a long time for him to put his feet up. I very much doubt he will put his feet up.

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"He'll still be involved in something even if just from his office, from phone calls and talking to his patronages, talking to his charities, maybe even visiting them on a private visit.

"He's not giving up life, he's just stepping back from full time public engagement and taking it a bit easier."

Dickie insisted the prince would be on his computer surfing the web, determined to stay in touch with world.