Royal Watch News

Prince Philip makes policeman laugh

Feb 11, 2013, 12:02 GMT

Prince Philip

Britain's Prince Philip left a policeman in hysterics as he walked to church yesterday morning (10.02.13).

The Duke of Edinburgh - who is known for his dry sense of humour - braved the wind and rain to walk 400 yards to St Mary Magdalene church from Sandringham House and as he passed a waiting officer, he said something which made him laugh.

While no-one was near enough to hear what he said, it seems the 91-year-old royal is back to his playful best following his recent bout of ill health.

While Philip walked to church, his wife Queen Elizabeth, was driven in her car and onlookers were surprised to see her there as she has normally left the Norfolk estate by now.

The monarch usually returns to London every year within a day or so of Ascension Day on February 6, the anniversary of her taking over the throne on the death of her father, but she has decided to stay on with Philip.

An onlooker said: 'It was a real surprise to see the queen. Normally she returns to London alone and leaves Prince Philip at Sandringham so he can continue to enjoy the shooting up here.'

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman added: 'There is no particular reason for the queen choosing to stay up at Sandringham. She has had some engagements in Norfolk. It is just the way the diary has fallen. She is back with a full programme of events this week.'