Prince Edward spotted arriving at Sydney Airport ahead of three-day visit

One of the very few remaining senior members of the British royal family was pictured arriving into Sydney on a commercial flight.

Prince Edward is in Australia. Picture: Jonathan Ng

A key member of the British royal family has arrived in Sydney for a whirlwind three-day visit.

Prince Edward was seen walking through Sydney Airport with a team of aides after arriving on a commercial flight from New Zealand on Monday night.

Prince Edward was flanked by aides. Picture: Jonathan Ng

The King’s brother had just arrived from New Zealand. Picture: Jonathan Ng

King Charles’ brother is on tour in his capacity as the Duke of Edinburgh – a title previously held by his late father, Prince Philip, which was bestowed upon him in March this year.

During his visit, Edward will meet with a number of Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award participants and organisers.

He was whisked off in a chauffeured car. Picture: Jonathan Ng

The program has been running in Australia for more than 60 years, and is designed to “challenge young people … to attain standards of achievement and endeavour in a wide variety of active interests”, according to the royal family’s official website.

It involves a series of tasks including volunteering, physical activity, and a team “adventure”.

Edward (far left) and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, are two of the few remaining senior royals. Picture: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Edward, previously the Earl of Wessex, was given his new title by his brother on his birthday in March, while his wife, Sophie, became the Duchess of Edinburgh.

The late Queen and Prince Philip had promised their youngest son he would become the Duke of Edinburgh following his father’s death, but it took two years for the official change to be made.

It’s understood Charles harboured some concerns about such a senior title being conferred to his brother, given he is now 13th in line to the throne.

However, it was ultimately agreed that Edward and Sophie deserved recognition for stepping up and taking on an increased workload following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s resignation from official duties.

Shortly after his promotion this year, Edward hosted a Duke of Edinburgh reception at Buckingham Palace, opening up about the honour of inheriting the role that was “probably the closest to [Prince Philip’s] heart.”