King Charles III Seeks Support from Brother Edward and Sophie During Recovery in Unprecedented Royal Move

Prince Edward and Sophie do 'first time' duties for King Charles lll

Prince Edward and Sophie and King Charles lll Victoria Jones-Pool/Getty Images / Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images /

King Charles III asked his brother Prince Edward and sister-in-law Duchess Sophie to fill in for him at Buckingham Palace. This was the first time ever that they were called upon to do so.

Due to the king undergoing cancer treatment and reducing his public appearances, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh took over his responsibilities at a significant military event held at the palace.

Prince Edward and Sophie appeared happy as they checked out the troops in their pale blue dress and beige coat at Buckingham Palace today. French soldiers also took part in the Changing of the Guard ceremony alongside British and Commonwealth troops at 11am.

This special event was meant to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, an agreement between countries that worked together against German ambitions before World War One. It would have been hosted by the monarch.

During the 15-minute ceremony, the royal couple, along with the French Ambassador to the UK, Hélène Duchêne, inspected the troops.

Despite scaling back on attending events to focus on recovery, the king made a surprise appearance earlier this month at an Easter Sunday church service at Windsor Castle, much to the delight of well-wishers.

Sophie and edward step in for KIng Charles at buckingham palace event

The Duke and Duchess of Eingburgh were delighted Victoria Jones-Pool/Getty Images

Crowds gathered outside St George’s Chapel in Windsor on Sunday, March 31, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the King.

He arrived in his maroon state Bentley limousine, looking cheerful as he smiled and waved to the excited crowds before entering the chapel.

The king, who is receiving weekly treatment for his illness, made sure to greet as many royal fans as possible by shaking their hands. When one fan wished him well, he responded with a grateful "I'm doing my best."

Princess Kate Middleton and Prince William did not attend the event, as Kate is currently focusing on her cancer treatment and taking a break from public appearances.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh (L) and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh (C) on behalf of King Charles III, stand with French Ambassador to the UK, Helene Duchene (2nd R) as they watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with France's Gendarmerie's Garde Republicaine taking part to comme

Prince Edward and Sophie with French Ambassador to the UK, Helene Duchene Peter Nicholls/Getty Images

Reports indicate that the king is excited for a trip to Australia later this year and is looking forward to visiting Birkhall next week, as reported by The Sun.

The upcoming autumn visit is set to be a grand one, with both the king and Queen Camilla planning to also visit New Zealand and Samoa in October. This Commonwealth visit will include 21-hour flights covering over 20,000 miles.

Sources have revealed to The Sun that despite Buckingham Palace's official statement of "nothing ruled in or out", the King and his doctors are feeling positive after his Easter Sunday appearance. According to an insider, the King is eager to get back to his duties after taking time off for his cancer diagnosis.

The king is now allowing visitors to explore Scotland's Balmoral Castle, a historic estate often visited by the royal family. The castle, completed in 1855, is offering private tours led by experienced guides for the first time ever.

According to Balmoral Castle's website, guests will be taken on a journey through the beautiful rooms within the castle to learn about its history. The guided tour, currently fully booked, is priced at $126 per person, with an additional option to enjoy afternoon tea for $189.

Editor's P/S:

It is heartening to see Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie step up and represent King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, marking a significant moment in their royal duties. Despite the King's absence due to cancer treatment, the Duke and Duchess carried out their responsibilities with grace and enthusiasm, demonstrating their dedication to the monarchy. The event celebrated the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, a testament to the enduring bonds between nations.

The King's decision to open Balmoral Castle to private tours reflects his commitment to sharing the rich history and heritage of the royal family with the public. The guided tours provide an exclusive glimpse into the opulent interiors and fascinating stories behind the castle's walls. The King's eagerness to get back to his duties after taking time off for his treatment is a sign of his resilience and unwavering commitment to his role as monarch.