Prince Edward has been forced to pull out of an event with King Charles due to health reasons.
The Duke of Edinburgh was expected to join his brother, sister Princess Anne and sister-in-law Queen Camilla, but had to withdraw due to coming down with a cold.
Edward missed the event at St James's Palace, where the monarch presented the prizes to universities.
His last engagements included watching numerous events at the Winter Olympics and congratulating competitors as they competed.
The Duke of Edinburgh has come down with a cold
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Today's event saw the King honour 19 universities and colleges with Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Higher and Further Education, celebrating exceptional achievements across diverse academic fields.
The recipients were acknowledged for their exceptional work in textile industry sustainability efforts, innovative collaborations in prison education, and groundbreaking studies on Paralympic performance.
These distinguished awards are part of the UK's national honours system, signifying the highest recognition by the state for excellence in higher and further education.
After the official presentation ceremony, members of the Royal Family attended a reception with the award winners, gaining further insight into the innovative projects being recognised.
Today marks the King's first royal engagement since Thursday, the day his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested
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The Queen, Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester all joined the monarch.
The Princess Royal attended the ceremony in her capacity as Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, which is receiving an award for research and education by its Centre for Fire Safety Engineering.
The Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Higher and Further Education are part of the UK national honours system, recognising at the highest level of the state, outstanding work in universities and colleges.
First awarded in 1995 and now in their sixteenth round, the prizes are granted every two years on the advice of the Prime Minister following a rigorous review process managed by the Royal Anniversary Trust, an independent charity.
The King honoured 19 universities and colleges with Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Higher and Further Education
| GETTYToday marks the King's first royal engagement since Thursday, the day his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested.
Last week, the monarch's brother was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office before being released after spending 11 hours in police custody.
On Thursday, Charles issued a statement expressing his "deepest concern" following the arrest of his brother on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The King emphasised his support for a thorough and appropriate investigation into the matter, signalling that proper legal procedures must be followed.
On Thursday, the King issued a statement expressing his 'deepest concern' following the arrest of his brother
| GETTYThe full statement read: "I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.
"What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.
"In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.
"As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all. Charles R."
GB News understands the Prince and Princess of Wales support His Majesty's statement.
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