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The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have been pictured for the first time since missing the Commonwealth Day service in London this week. The Royal Family put up a united front on Monday as they all headed to Westminster Abbey for the annual service.

King Charles and Queen Camilla were joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Anne and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. But Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie were notably absent from the celebratory event, as they headed to Italy for the Paralympic Winter Games, which started on Friday.

Buckingham Palace has not shared official photographs from the couple's visit to Italy, on the day of Edward's 62nd birthday today.

In the photos, Edward and Sophie can be seen warmly engaging with athletes and Team GB staff in Italy as the Games went on.

The photos were accompanied by the message: "The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have been cheering on @ParalympicsGB at the Milano Cortina Winter Paralympic Games.

"Their Royal Highnesses watched British athletes in action across multiple events and met members of the team competing in the Games.

"The Duke, as Patron of the British Paralympic Association, and The Duchess also spent time with staff and supporters who are helping to support Team GB."

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The couple travelled at the end of last week and attended events over the weekend.

It is understood they will stay in Italy for several days as they cheer on our GB competitors.

Edward, who is patron of The British Paralympic Association, released a video message on Saturday, wishing athletes good luck.