Edward’s presence signals both his growing importance in his own family, as well as the monarchy's importance to British diplomacy at a potentially rocky moment.

On Jan. 9, the Duke of Edinburgh, 60, stepped out in the U.S. capital city to pay respects to the nation’s 39th president, who died on Dec. 29 at 100 years old. Prince Edward sat beside Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, a Commonwealth country and crown realm, for the solemn service.

The Duke of Edinburgh, 60, sat next to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau inside the Washington National Cathedral. He is the only royal in attendance at the state funeral today. It's as yet unclear if he will carry out any other engagements while in the United States.

Prince Edward made a notable return to his royal duties on Thursday, becoming the first royal to jet overseas in 2025. The Duke of Edinburgh flew to Washington D.C. to represent the

Prince Edward represented his brother King Charles III at former President Carter’s funeral on Thursday. The fourteenth in line to the British throne sat next to Canadian Prime Minister