These are the funniest tweets about Buckingham Palace's big announcement

The news that Prince Philip is to step down from public life has come as something of an anti-climax, with many of us anticipating a more dramatic announcement.

Following a much-hyped meeting at Buckingham Palace this morning – which was called at 3am – it has been confirmed that the the Duke of Edinburgh will retire from royal duties in the autumn.

To say that the people of Twitter were a little disappointed by the news of the 95-year-old’s impending retirement is an understatement.

This is all rather embarrassing for The Sun, who published news of the Prince’s death on its website this morning.

The story was swiftly removed, but Twitter users wasted no time in commenting on the gaffe.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has decided that he will no longer carry out public engagements from the autumn of this year. In taking this decision, The Duke has the full support of the Queen.

“Prince Philip will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August, both individually and accompanying The Queen. Thereafter, The Duke will not be accepting new invitations for visits and engagements, although he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time.”

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The statement concluded: “The Duke of Edinburgh is Patron, President or a member of over 780 organisations, with which he will continue to be associated, although he will no longer play an active role by attending engagements.

“Her Majesty will continue to carry out a full programme of official engagements with the support of members of the Royal Family.”

Before the big news arrived, Twitter-users had a whale of a time speculating as to what the announcement might be.