The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were pictured having a fantastic time on the first day of the Royal Windsor Horse Show on Thursday. The pair, who recently had a busy week commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day, browsed the stalls on offer and spoke with members of the public.

Always a favourite fixture in the royal diary, the annual show has been hosted in the grounds of Windsor Castle since 1943 and was a personal highlight for Queen Elizabeth II. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are also frequent visitors and made the short journey up from their Bagshot Park home in Surrey to join in with the fun.

Their visit also comes just days before Prince Edward carries out a very important duty for King Charles.

There have been many memorable moments from the show over the years, including the moment Lady Louise Windsor rode in the late Duke of Edinburgh's carriage in front of Queen Elizabeth II.

This year will surely be no different as the Duke and Duchess have already been pictured laughing with stall makers, while the Duchess samples what appears to be port wine in a small chocolate cup.

The visit to the show comes before Prince Edward travels to Rome to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV on May 18.

A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said: "The Duke of Edinburgh will represent His Majesty at the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV."

The new Pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, from Chicago, became the first North American head of the Catholic Church after he was elected during the secret conclave meeting of cardinals on May 8.

Leo was elected by 133 cardinals from 70 countries in just over 24 hours, giving the Church a pope less than three weeks after the death of his predecessor, Francis.

Buckingham Palace previously said the King had sent a private message congratulating the Pope on his election and passing on his and the Queen's most sincere good wishes for his pontificate.