The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh arriving at St. James Palace. Image: Buckingham Palace Official Photograph

A Look back at Prince Philip’s career 

The Duke of Edinburgh, who has been the Queen’s companion for nearly 70 years, announced his retirement today from royal duties.

We take a look back at the Duke’s life and public engagements:

• Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark was born on Corfu in 1921.
• He grew up attending schools in Germany and Britain.
• In 1939 he joined the Royal Navy, serving during World War 2.
• The Duke had a promising career and reached the level of Commander.
• Two years after the war, he married his cousin Elizabeth at Westminster Abbey.
• They have four children.
• His career ended with the death of his father-in-law, King George VI, in 1952 as he settled into the role of supporting his wife as the Queen.
• Prince Philip has shown interest in the subjects of environment, science, engineering and  industry.
• He is the patron, president or member of 78 different organizations, especially known for his work with the Duke of Edinburgh Foundation.

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh meet guests following today’s Order of Merit Service at St James’s Palace. pic.twitter.com/jWD8XmETRz

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 4, 2017

Local Elections

Local and mayoral elections are happening around the UK today with a total of 4,851 council seats being contested in 88 different counties in Scotland, Wales and England.

New metro mayors will be elected in Greater Manchester, the Liverpool City region, the West Midlands, Tees Valley. the West of England, Cambridge and Peterborough.

Broadcasters are restricted to factual reports of the elections during the day to ensure fairness between election candidates.

Some Counties in England and Wales will begin counting ballots as the poll closes, whilst Scotland will start counting Friday morning.

Results will be announced throughout Friday.

Polling stations opened at 7.00 this morning and will be closing at 22.00 tonight.

You have until 10pm to get to your polling station and cast your vote in the #LocalElections. More info: https://t.co/kef5M6C5WW pic.twitter.com/95PTJXnxEO

— Your Vote Matters (@YourVote_UK) May 4, 2017

Teenage couple detained for murder, challenge excessive terms 

The couple detained for the murder of a mother and her daughter last year, have challenged what their legal team has described as ‘manifestly excessive’ minimum terms.

The couple, now 15, spent the evening sharing a bath and watching vampire films after brutally killing Elizabeth Edwards, 49 years old, and Katie Edwards, 13 years old, in Lincolnshire.

The couple were handed minimum terms of 20 years at Nottingham Crown Court in November last year.

At the Court of Appeal in London today, their lawyers urged the judges to find the sentencing judge had been in error when deciding on the minimum recommendation.

After hearing from the legal teams for both sides, the judges said they would give their decision on a date to be fixed in the future.

Heather Knight ruled out for foot injury 

The womens’ cricket captain, Heather Knight, has been ruled out for six weeks due to a foot fracture.

Knight has been diagnosed with a small metatarsal fracture in her left foot, and will have to wear a protective cover for the next 2-3 weeks.

The captain will then be able to return to light training and eventually be able to come back to her full training schedule.

Knight will have recovered in time for the Women’s World Cup warm-up games in June.

The Women’s England cricket team will also be playing New Zealand before the World Cup campaign against India.

.@englandcricket captain @Heatherknight55 is out of action for 5/6 weeks with a stress fracture, but is expected to be fit for the World Cup pic.twitter.com/ej5iFb0IHE

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) May 4, 2017