Britain's Prince Philip turns 90 today

LONDON (AP) — Prince Philip, the colorful and often outspoken husband of Queen Elizabeth II, celebrated his 90th birthday today in apparent good health and good humor but announced plans to cut back his officials duties.

At 90, it is fair to say his best gaffes are behind him.

The tall prince, still with military bearing but his face now craggy with age, has been a familiar figure at his wife's side for decades. He has championed numerous charities over the years, but is advising the ones he heads to start planning an orderly transition as he plots the end of his working life.

Instead of acting as if he can continue the punishing pace of royal engagements, Philip has acknowledged that he is losing stamina. In a television interview to mark his milestone birthday, he said he was nearing his "sell-by date."

"I reckon I've done my bit. I want to enjoy myself for a bit now. With less responsibility, less rushing about, less preparation, less trying to think of something to say," he said.

"On top of that your memory's going, I can't remember names. Yes, I'm just sort of winding down."