Royal Central - Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
He might get little fanfare or media coverage, but the Duke of Kent continues to quietly conduct official engagements on behalf of The King, despite his advancing age and mobility problems.
The 88-year-old royal has so far conducted 24 royal engagements in 2024, ranging from dinners and receptions, to private audiences at Kensington Palace.
A first cousin to the late Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Kent is the longest serving member of The Royal Family, conducting official business on behalf of the monarch for over 70 years.
He started royal engagements at an early age, and in 1952, at just the age of 16, walked behind the coffin of his uncle, George VI, at his State Funeral. The next year, he would attend his cousin’s Coronation and was third to pay homage to her following the Dukes of Edinburgh and Gloucester.
The duke’s most recent engagement occurred on April 18 when he visited the recently redeveloped Blackheath Halls in South London.
The project to modernise the interior of Blackheath Halls has enabled it to be more accessible and welcoming to the local community.
During the visit, His Royal Highness met those who had supported the redevelopment and watched performances by Sir Bryn Terfel and the Blackheath Halls Youth Choir.
In recent years, the duke has started to hand over certain duties, including his position as the President of the All England Tennis Club, which he handed over to the Princess of Wales.
Earlier this month, His Royal Highness also attended a ceremony to step down as Colonel of the Scots Guards after 50 years, with the Duke of Edinburgh succeeding him.