Prince Edward stepped up for the Royal Family at a major event amid Prince William's absence.
The Duke of Edinburgh, 60, stepped out today in London to mark Anzac Day during a sombre ceremony.
This is a major role enacted traditionally by the King or Queen of the United Kingdom, so this is Edward’s most significant duty to date.
Prince Edward led the Royal Family in London in the early morning today as he attended a moving tribute to fallen members of the Australian and New Zealand armed forces on Anzac Day.
Prince Edward represents Royal Family on Anzac Day
Getty
The Duke of Edinburgh attended the Dawn Service at Hyde Park Corner in the early hours of Thursday morning where he paid a tribute at the New Zealand Memorial.
He looked visibly moved during today's sombre ceremony.
Anzac Day is Australia and New Zealand's equivalent of Remembrance Sunday.
It commemorates the 1915 Gallipoli landing of Australian and New Zealand troops in World War One and remembers the nations' personnel who fought and died in the conflict.
Prince Edward laid a wreath at the Dawn Memorial
PA
Today, Prince Edward also attended the Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey, as well as the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Cenotaph.
The wreath was laid on behalf of the monarch, who has minimised public-facing duties as he undergoes treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer.
Prince William also missed today's memorial services as he is visiting the West Midlands for a string of royal engagements.
William and Kate shared a message on Wednesday night, saying: "On #AnzacDay we remember all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in military operations #LestWeForget."
Prince Edward was visibly moved during the 5am service
PA
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The wreath was laid on behalf of King Charles
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Later in the day, Prince Edward will attend the annual Gallipoli Association Wreath Laying Ceremony in the Crypt at St Paul’s Cathedral.
This event marks another honour for the duke who today takes on the patronage of the Association, previously held by his father, the late Prince Philip.
The Gallipoli Memorial in the Crypt at St Paul’s Cathedral was erected by the Gallipoli Association and unveiled on November 28, 1995, by Prince Philip.
