Buckingham Palace has revealed why the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were absent from Commonwealth service on Monday.
The royal couple were in Italy to support Team GB at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics.
Prince Edward and Sophie traveled to Cortina d’Ampezzo, where they spent time cheering on British athletes competing in various winter sports.
The visit fits into the Duke’s long-standing role as patron of the British Paralympic Association, a position which sees him closely involved in supporting Paralympic sport and athletes representing the UK on the world stage.
During their outing, Their Royal Highnesses watched several events and met with members of ParalympicsGB, offering encouragement to competitors halfway through the Games.
The couple also took time to speak with coaches, team staff and fans who play a crucial role behind the scenes in helping athletes compete at the highest level.
The royal visit included a stop at the ParalympicsGB National Paralympic Committee reception, where Edward and Sophie met athletes, officials and guests linked to Team GB.
The gathering provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of competitors and highlight the dedication required to reach the Paralympic stage.
