Duke of Kent's rare overseas trip to Germany on behalf of King Charles
The Duke of Kent has made a rare overseas trip on behalf of King Charles III amid the monarch's ongoing cancer treatment.
The duke, also known as Prince Edward, is the late Queen Elizabeth II's cousin and the oldest working member of the royal family.
The 89-year-old flew to Germany of the official visit, attending ceremonies marking a an attack that resulted in the deaths of 25,000 people during World War II as part of his role as patron of the British German Association, which he has held since 1994.
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The Duke of Kent has taken a rare overseas trip on behalf of King Charles. dpa/picture alliance via Getty I
The two-day attack took place when British and American bombers launched an aerial raid on February 13, 1945, and is considered one of the Allies' most controversial acts during the war.
The royal was dressed warmly for the commemoration event at Dresden Town Hall.
He took part in a moment of reflection at Frauenkirche at the site of the Church of Our Lady, which was destroyed during the bombing and later rebuilt
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The 89-year-old flew to Germany of the official visit. dpa/picture alliance via Getty I
He participated in a human chain around the town with hundreds of people forming a ring of remembrance.
The Duke of Kent delivered a speech at Dresden Town Hall, acknowledging the loss of life and destruction during the attack.
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"We are gathered here today to commemorate the terrible destruction and loss of life 80 years ago," he said in his speech, as reported by HELLO!
"In addition to the grief we feel in our hearts, we also look back on 30 years of reconciliation and growing friendship between Britain and the people of Dresden.
"As patron of the Dresden Trust, this is very close to my heart. It is my firm desire to heal the wounds of war and promote peace."
The Duke of Kent during a reception for recipients of The King's Award for Enterprise in 2024. Getty
He spoke of his "pleasure" at returning to the city which "now shines beautifully in its historical splendour".
Edward is a full-time working member of the royal family and carried out 97 engagements alone last year.
Wife Katharine, the Duchess of Kent, who turns 92 later this month, has stepped back from royal duties.
The Duke of Kent has reduced his royal duties of late. In 2024, he stepped down as Colonel of the Scots Guard, a role he has served for 50 years.
"Serving as Colonel of the Scots Guards since 1974, the longest anyone has spent in this role, has been a true honour and one which will forever fill me with great joy," he said on social media at the time.
The royal arriving for the 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service at Westminster Abbey in 2024. Getty
"Through those years, I have seen the work of the Scots Guards during peacetime and war."
He announced Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh would step into the role.
"To my fellow Scots Guardsmen, I am immensely proud to have served you all," the Duke stated.
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