FANFARE OF FUN FOR PHILIP, 99

PRINCE Philip showed he had lost none of his trademark rapier wit as he ribbed an Army bugler about his role and weight.

- Giles Sheldrick

The 99-year-old Duke was on sparkling form yesterday when he broke off his retirement to fulfil a military engagement.

He appeared at Windsor Castle to take part in the official handover of his role as Colonel-in chief of The Rifles, ending a connection which stretches back almost 70 years.

Afterwards he spoke to Lance Corporal Colin Street in, 33, who said: “He asked me if that was all I did, the bugling, and I told him we were assault pioneers as well.

“He said, ‘Obviously keeping up your fitness then?’ and looked me up and down and I was thinking, ‘Are you trying to say I am fat?!’ That’s what we were laughing about. He’s a very fit man himself for 99. Just incredible.”