Prince Edward made his first appearance on Wednesday, just one day after pulling out of an engagement due to being sick. The Duke of Edinburgh attended the press night performance of Dracula at the National Youth Theatre in London.

Edward looked dapper in a black turtleneck underneath a black suit with gold buttons and a red handkerchief. He beamed as he posed for photographs with CEO and artistic director of National Youth Theatre Paul Roseby, theatre producer John Gore, producer Sarah Townsend and Edge Hill University Chancellor Dawn Airey. On Tuesday, the Duke was forced to pull out of an engagement with King Charles and other royals due to a cold.

The King presented the Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Higher and Further Education to 19 universities and colleges in recognition of their outstanding work.

He was joined by Queen Camilla, Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

But Edward, who was originally expected to attend the ceremony, was nowhere to be seen.

It is understood that the Duke has been pacing himself after coming down with a cold and opted to skip the event.

Meanwhile, the Duke’s wife, Duchess Sophie, has kept busy while touring Africa.

Earlier this week, Sophie visited Somalia at the request of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, to draw attention to the ongoing issue of conflict-related sexual violence in the region and highlight the voices of survivors.

On Tuesday, she headed to Kenya for a two-day visit to celebrate Kenyan women leaders and recognise the role women play in preventing and resolving conflicts.