90-year-old Duke of Edinburgh says 'ageism is justified'

London, June 10 (ANI): The Duke of Edinburgh, who celebrated his 90th birthday on Friday, has finally admitted that ageism is justified.

"There is an ageism in this country, as everywhere, and quite rightly so, because I think you go down hill, physically, mentally and everything," the ndependent quoted him as saying in an interview on BBC.

"It's better to get out before you reach the sell-by date," the Duke added.

Prince Philip said that his memory was not what it was and that it was time to reduce his workload and patronages.

"You don't really want nonagenarians as heads of organizations which are trying to do something useful. 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. On top of that, your memory's going, I can't remember names. Yes, I'm just sort of winding down, said Prince Philip.

During almost 60 years as the Queen's consort, he has worked with about 800 charities and other organisations. Among them is the wildlife charity WWF, but he still condemned animals rights activists as "bunny huggers" those conservationists who become overly concerned about animal rights.

He also said one of his biggest problems was to find himself a role.

"There was no precedent. If I asked somebody, 'What do you expect me to do?' they all looked blank; they had no idea, nobody had much idea," he said. (ANI)