Prince Edward has been recognised as having a major role to play in the Royal Family over the years ahead.
The Duke of Edinburgh, 61, stepped in for his older brother, King Charles, as he represented the royals at the inaugural mass of Pope Leo earlier this month.
Edward took the place of Charles and the Prince of Wales, who was the representative of the Royal Family during the funeral of Pope Francis, at the prestigious occasion attended by dozens of world leaders.
It follows a pattern of increased public activity from the Duke of Edinburgh in various royal engagements, which a royal source has claimed was by design.
Edward has been taking a more prominently role in Royal Family engagements recently.
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“He’s the future,” an insider told the Express.
As well as stepping in for other major Royal Family members, Edward has appeared alongside the King and William at huge engagements.
Edward, alongside his wife Sophie, stepped out alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales at a Buckingham Palace garden party.
The Prince and Princess of Wales hosted the event, the first attended by Kate since her cancer battle last year, as the King and Queen had other commitments.
Edward recently represented King Charles on the global stage at the Vatican.
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Edward and Sophie were prominently seen behind their hosts as they made a grand entrance.
He also made a rare appearance alongside King Charles at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
The brothers are seldom pictured together without other members of the Royal Family.
They strolled around the event together, with the King sporting a relaxed look with sunglasses and a cane and Edward sporting a tie mirroring his brother’s.
Edward recently made a rare duo appearance with King Charles.
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The Royal Windsor Horse Show was also a favourite of the pair’s late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who was a regular attendee of the event until her last appearance in 2022, just months before her death.
Edward and Charles looked on in shock as a competitor's carriage collided with a gatepost during a cross-country race.
Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident, and the race was allowed to continue.
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Edward has continued his role with the Duke of Edinburgh awards
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Even with his more high-profile appearances recently, Prince Edward has continued in his role as the head of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
Earlier this month, he presented the Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards to 2,000 young recipients during a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
Speaking to the assembled winners, the duke said: "This has given you the skills, wherewithal and confidence to make a difference to others. Make sure you tell your story."
Edward emphasised the importance of their role going forward, adding: "You are, each one of you, an ambassador of this award."
