Buckingham Palace shared photos from the Duke of Edinburgh’s two-day visit to Northern Ireland last week, and many fans couldn’t help but notice his striking resemblance to a royal relative.
During his visit, the 60-year-old Duke stopped by St Catherine’s College in Armagh, where he was presented with a hurl and a bowl and observed young people participating in activities for their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Fans quickly pointed out his likeness to both his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and his grandfather, King George VI. One fan remarked, “Prince Edward looks so much like his grandad King George VI.”
Although King George VI passed away in 1952, 12 years before Edward’s birth, the family resemblance is clear. The two also shared a love for tennis.
George VI played in the Men’s Doubles at Wimbledon in 1926, and Edward developed a passion for real tennis while earning his Duke of Edinburgh Award. In fact, Edward met his future wife, Sophie, at a tennis match in 1993.
In March 2023, Edward became the patron of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, a program founded by his father, Prince Philip, in 1956.
Reflecting on his new role, Edward said, “Some say The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is in my DNA; it’s certainly been a major part of my life for a very long time. Being asked to take on the role of patron after my father is a particular honour and quite a responsibility.”
During his Northern Ireland visit, Edward also commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Joint Award Initiative (JAI), established in 1999 following the Good Friday Agreement.
This initiative allows young participants in Northern Ireland to receive recognition from both The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Gaisce: The President’s Award.
Edward and Sophie are currently visiting Malta from October 7 to 10 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the country’s independence and the ongoing collaboration between Malta and the UK.
