Prince Edward visits troops on deployment in Estonia and Germany to thank them for service to Queen 

Prince Edward visited troops on deployment in Estonia and Germany this week to thank them for their commitment to the late Queen.

The Earl of Wessex was photographed greeting crowds in Paderborn, Germany, today – just days after the funeral of his late mother at Westminster Abbey.

In an Instagram post about his trip, the Royal Family said he was thanking troops who are deployed in both countries for their service to Her Majesty.

A series of photographs released by Buckingham Palace picture Edward signing the Town Hall’s Golden Book in Paderborn ‘in remembrance of Her Majesty’s visit in 1977’.

It comes as King Charles continues to privately mourn his mother on the Balmoral estate where the Queen died 12 days ago with him by her side – while other royals including Princess Anne, Prince William and Kate Middleton have all returned to work.

The Earl of Wessex was photographed greeting crowds in Paderborn, Germany, today – just days after the funeral of his late mother at Westminster Abbey

The statement added: ‘The Earl of Wessex visited troops on deployment in Estonia and Germany this week to recognise their service and their commitment to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth throughout her life.

‘His Royal Highness is Royal Colonel of the of 2nd Battalion The Rifles and Royal Honorary Colonel of the the Royal Wessex Yeomanry.

‘In Paderborn, Germany, The Earl met residents and viewed tributes to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth from the local community.

‘In remembrance of Her Majesty’s visit in 1977, His Royal Highness also added his signature to the Town Hall’s Golden Book.’

A series of photographs released by Buckingham Palace picture Edward signing the Town Hall’s Golden Book in Paderborn ‘in remembrance of Her Majesty’s visit in 1977’

In the snaps, he appeared to be greeting crowds of royal fans who were happy to chat with the Earl  

Prince Edward, the Queen’s youngest child, was heavily involved in Her Majesty’s state funeral at Westminster Abbey on Monday and Committal Service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor.

He attended both with his wife Sophie and children Louise and James.

The Earl of Wessex participated in funeral processions in both London and Windsor.     

His return to work came as several member of the Royal Family took part in a number of engagements. 

Prince Edward appeared in good spirits during the outing earlier today, and was snapped beaming as he chatted with  Mayor of Paderborn Michael Dreier in Paderborn

The Royal Family were not expected to carry out any official engagements during their mourning period, after more than a week of being under the world’s gaze while performing ceremonial duties following the Queen’s death.

Yet royal duties recommenced earlier this week for William, with the father-of-three making his first speech since his grandmother passed away with a pre-recorded address to the Earthshot Prize summit in New York. The prince was due to attend but cancelled his trip following the Queen’s death.

Buckingham Palace say a small number of engagements will be undertaken during royal mourning to thank those involved in the delivery of HM Queen Elizabeth’s Funeral and associated ceremonial events, and to recognise the service to King and country of those on deployment overseas. 

William and Kate aren’t the only royals heading back to work in-person; Princess Anne, 72, has stepped out at Portsmouth Naval Base, where she shook hands with Royal Navy personnel who took part in the procession. It is her first engagement since attending her mother’s funeral on Monday.