For months we've heard unsubstantiated (and latterly denied) rumours that the Queen is planning to 'semi-retire'.

Now comes yet more proof that the 80-year-old monarch and her 85-year-old husband have no intention of putting their feet up just yet, it being announced that the Queen and Prince Philip are set to embark on an official trip to Holland next February.

Buckingham Palace has issued the following statement which, at this point, reveals only brief details of the royal awayday. However, it's almost certain that the trip will see Queen Elizabeth meet up with her great friend and distant relative, Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands.

The following statement was issued by the Press Secretary to The Queen:

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will visit the Netherlands on Monday 5th February, to attend a service and reception marking the four hundredth anniversary of the English Church in Amsterdam.

The Queen will also visit the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

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Name: udyusa	Comment: Amen, M-M, Amen.

Name: M-M	Comment: Certainly you may Udyusa - should it ever become necessary BTW I consider we're BOTH lucky to be the nationality we are , I guess we are all grateful that things are so good in comparison to so many others in this world . My prayer is for a happy Christmas and a PEACEFUL New Year for all

Name: udyusa	Comment: M-M, May I join you while you eat these 'particular' words? I will be more than happy to bring dessert!! Will her "loveliness" be included? How lucky you are to an Aussie...I'm just an USA'er.

Name: M-M	Comment: Mark Brooks wrote "Seems that you don't believe that Camilla will be called The Princess Consort when Charles takes the throne. Careful that you may have to eat your words. ________________ I'd be happy to eat these particular words ! "But as an Aussie, you can also get rid of the monarchy when Charles takes the throne." ________________________ I think it will be the catalyst

Name: udyusa	Comment: Lucky you, MM!!!

Name: Mark Brooks	Comment: ** so awful is the alternative of King Charles and Queen Camilla ** Seems that you don't believe that Camilla will be called The Princess Consort when Charles takes the throne. Careful that you may have to eat your words. But as an Aussie, you can also get rid of the monarchy when Charles takes the throne.

Name: M-M	Comment: An arduous trip or a mere stroll in the park , any activity on the part of HM is reassuring , so awful is the alternative of King Charles and Queen Camilla

Name: Antonia

Comment: The semi-retirement stories originate and are perpetuated by the press! This trip is hardly an arduous one, it's a day trip. The Queen and DoE are flying into Rotterdam airport and are being met by Queen Beatrix ( yes that information is already available, from the Dutch) the British royals then return that evening. A trip to Scotland is more arduous! Rotterdam would be an hour by air, Heathrow is round the corner from Windsor. Distances are quite close in The Netherlands, we're not talking Russia here!

Name: Trudie	Comment: Just goes to show that RETIREMENT even SEMI is not in HM's thoughts or vocabulary. What a shining example for senior citizens around the world.

Name: udyusa	Comment: Amen to that, Shelley. And Long may she reign!!

Name: M-M	Comment: She is not handing over the reins yet , bless her !

Name: Jacqueline	Comment: I'm with you Shelley..The Queen is wonderful..I'm so glad to see her out an about and feeling better..I hope to see The Queen when she comes to Jamestown in May...Long Live The Queen!

Name: shelley	Comment: God Bless Her Majesty, who knows the meaning of work ethic and duty.