In a surprising turn of events, Prince Edward has decided to step back from his royal duties for a brief period.

This decision comes on the heels of recent hospitalizations involving King Charles and Kate Middleton, which have undoubtedly put a strain on the royal family.

The Duke of Edinburgh recently wrapped up his travels to Commonwealth nations, having visited South Africa and St Helena earlier this month.

This latest development raises questions about the timing of Edward’s hiatus.

With several senior royals currently away due to health issues, one might wonder why he chose this moment to take a break.

However, it’s not uncommon for members of the royal family to take a short pause after their busy schedules, especially following overseas engagements.

Looking ahead, it seems that Prince Edward won’t be making any public appearances for at least another week.

With him stepping back, the women of the royal family are poised to take the reins.

Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, will be stepping up to fill the gap left by their male counterparts as they recover from their respective health challenges.

Queen Camilla has been particularly active, engaging in a series of solo commitments.

From celebrating the centenary of Queen Mary’s Doll’s House to visiting a hospital in recognition of World Cancer Day, she has been making her presence felt.

Sophie’s recent visit to Harris Girls Academy in London showcased her dedication to important topics, as she participated in a menstrual health workshop aimed at breaking stigmas surrounding the issue.

Princess Anne, often hailed as the hardest-working royal, isn’t slowing down either.

Known for her tireless commitment, she continues to undertake numerous engagements, with 2024 promising to be no exception.

Her determination to serve is evident, even during this challenging time for the royal family.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that Catherine, Princess of Wales, underwent planned abdominal surgery.

She is currently recuperating at home, and her absence is felt throughout the royal community.

Meanwhile, King Charles has also been discharged from the hospital after undergoing prostate surgery, allowing him some much-needed private recovery time.

The King’s recent health scare has drawn attention to men’s health issues, prompting him to share his diagnosis publicly.

This decision has already had a significant impact, with the National Health Service reporting a staggering 1,000% increase in searches related to prostate enlargement following the palace’s announcement.

Both King Charles and Princess Kate were discharged from the hospital on the same day, marking a bittersweet moment for the family.

While Kate’s release was kept relatively low-key, King Charles made a point to greet well-wishers as he exited with Queen Camilla by his side, signaling a return to normalcy.