Prince Philip, 96, retires after decades of memorable gaffes

LONDON – At the age of 96, Britain’s Prince Philip is retiring from solo official duties. Over the decades he has become renowned for his stalwart support of his wife, Queen Elizabeth II — and his blunt and sometimes offensive remarks. Here are a few of his memorable quotes:

1969:

“What do you gargle with, pebbles?” — to singer Tom Jones.

“I declare this thing open, whatever it is” — on a visit to Canada.

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1992:

“Oh no, I might catch some ghastly disease” — when asked to stroke a koala in Australia.

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1995:

“How do you keep the natives off the booze long enough to pass the test?” — to a Scottish driving instructor.

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2000:

“It’s a vast waste of space” — at a reception for the opening of the new British Embassy in Berlin.

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2010:

“Do you have a pair of knickers made out of this?”— pointing to a tartan and addressing Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie at a papal reception in Edinburgh.