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.
