Prince Edward was noticeably absent as senior royals gathered for a key engagement today, after reportedly being struck down with illness at the last minute.
The Duke of Edinburgh had been expected to join his siblings, King Charles and Princess Anne, at a presentation ceremony at St James’s Palace. However, it’s understood that Edward was forced to withdraw as he paces himself because of a cold.
Queen Camilla was in attendance alongside the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, with the royal party presenting a united front despite a turbulent backdrop for the Firm.
Prince Edward absent from royal event with siblings ‘due to illness’
The king, 77, was hosting the Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Higher and Further Education at St James’s Palace on Tuesday, celebrating outstanding achievements at universities and colleges across the UK.
While Edward, 61, was due to attend, the Duke of Edinburgh did not appear after reportedly falling unwell.
Buckingham Palace has been contacted for comment.
Photographs later shared on the royal family’s official social media channels showed King Charles presenting the awards. Queen Camilla, the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester stood alongside him as 19 universities and colleges were honoured during the ceremony.
Royal family puts on united front amid Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal
The appearance from senior members of the royal family comes at a particularly testing time for the monarchy.
Last week, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, brother to Charles, Anne and Edward, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The exact nature of the alleged misconduct remains unclear.
Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.
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