BUCKINGHAM Palace has said Prince Philip is to step down from public engagements.

The announcement was made this morning after the Queen’s entire staff was called to an emergency meeting at Buckingham Palace.

According to the palace the 95-year-old duke's decision was taken with the support of the Queen. He will stop carrying out public duties in the autumn.

News of the meeting had earlier sent social media into a frenzy with speculation that it has been triggered by the death of a royal or an abdication.

But it is understood it is not linked to the health of either the Queen or the Duke of Edinburgh or abdication and an announcement is expected later this morning.

Twitter users seized the opportunity to come up with hundreds of amusing tweets and memes.

Alistair Campbell wrote: Following her meeting with President May yesterday Queen to step down and hand over to strong and stable leadership #BuckinghamPalace”

Grant Williamson questioned: “OMG she's going to be the new Doctor isn't she?”

While Mrs Ford suggested: “Confirmed: The Queen has been notified by the Minister of Magic that Voltemort is back.”

The news also has followers in America waiting to find out what has happened.

“We in the US are sitting up and can't sleep until we find out what's going on,” said one.