Prince Philip: 'Great Pleasure' To Be Back

Prince Philip has told guests at his first public engagement in two months that it is "a great pleasure to be back in circulation".

His comments came during a 40-minute visit to the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), where the Duke is an Honorary Fellow.

Still convalescing after an operation in June, Prince Philip appeared cheerful as he was greeted outside the Royal Society of Edinburgh to a round of applause by the crowd.

The 92-year-old, who arrived in the city centre by car, ignored reporters asking "how are you feeling?" and instead waved to well-wishers.

Pausing only briefly in the street as he met senior members of the RSE, the Duke appeared anxious to get on with the engagement and led his welcoming committee inside.

"He seems better than ever," said one member of the public who had waited outside for the Prince to arrive.

Inside, he showed his sense of humour is still very much intact.

After presenting Royal Awards to three scientists, the Duke joked: "I only wish to God I could understand what they've been doing."

The Duke of Edinburgh has been an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh since 1951 and has presented Royal Medals on nine occasions over the past 13 years.

Professor Mike Ferguson, who received a Royal Award, said the Duke was "on the ball as usual and everyone was absolutely delighted to see him".

Award winner Professor Sir John Cadogan added: "The man's on fire, he's great. I'm no doctor, but he looks great."

Earlier this month royal aides were left surprised by the Duke's speed of recovery when he made it known he felt well enough to honour this public engagement.

He was in hospital for 11 days after an exploratory operation at The London Clinic.

The Duke will now spend the rest of the summer in Balmoral with the Queen.

He is yet to meet his three-week-old great grandson, Prince George of Cambridge, but royal aides have not ruled out a visit by William and Kate in the coming weeks.