Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent made an appearance at Princess Kate’s Together at Christmas carol concert earlier this month, despite his increasing frailty.
The royals descended on Westminster Abbey on December 8 for the carol service, now in its third year, which was broadcast on Christmas Eve on ITV.
Daily Mail Diary Editor posted on X, formerly Twitter: “Good to see that the increasingly frail Duke of Kent made it to #RoyalCarols at Westminster Abbey. He was unable to attend the Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the Cenotaph last month.”
The Duke turned 88 in October but is still considered to be a working royal, however he is now stepping down from some of his duties due to his age.
His unflinching commitment to duty impressed royal fans online, with one writing: “The Duke of Kent really is a stalwart of our working royals. His dedication to duty is steadfast. To miss Remembrance Day must indicate he was most seriously indisposed.”
In November it was announced that the Duke would miss the Remembrance Sunday service, attended by the most senior royals every year.
He was apparently experiencing “episodic mobility problems”, the same medical reason that was given for the late Queen Elizabeth’s absences at events during the last months of her life.
As a veteran with 21 years service behind him, the Duke greatly values the importance of remembering those who gave their lives serving their country.
Prince Edward was the late Queen Elizabeth’s first cousin, and has been a working royal ever since he retired from the Armed Forces in 1976.
He was born on October 9 1935, the son of the former Duke of Kent Prince George, the fourth son of King George V and Queen Mary, and the younger brother to King George VI – Queen Elizabeth’s father.
The Duke is officially now the oldest member of the Royal Family and has four children and ten grandchildren, including Lady Amelia Windsor.
