Prince Edward appointed to new role by King Charles as four new images released to mark his 60th birthday

PRINCE Edward has been appointed to a new role by King Charles - as four new images are released to mark his 60th birthday.

The King appointed Edward to the Order of the Thistle, Scotland's highest honour.

Prince Edward in a new birthday pic
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Prince Edward in a new birthday picCredit: PA
The prince will mark his 60th birthday this weekend
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The prince will mark his 60th birthday this weekendCredit: PA

Edward is seen wearing a red jumper underneath a dark buttoned waistcoat.

Other pics show him smiling with his three dogs, Labrador Teal, cocker spaniel Mole and Labrador puppy Teasel.

The duke carried out a series of engagements with Princess Sophie earlier this week, ahead of his milestone birthday this weekend.

He was presented with a Leeds Rhinos rugby shirt with “HRH 60” on the back during a visit to Headingley Stadium on Friday.

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Edward noticed the detail on the back and said to his wife: “Yours is more subtle than mine.”

He told the young players: "Thanks a bunch. I really need to be reminded."

Sophie then paid a tearful tribute to Edward at the end of the Community Sport and Recreation Awards.

She said: “Edward is best of fathers, the most loving of husbands and he is still my best friend.

"I am so proud of the man he is."

King Charles made Edward the Duke of Edinburgh to mark his 59th birthday.

Queen Elizabeth II also granted Edward the additional title of Earl of Forfar to mark his 55th birthday.

It comes Charles, 75, is undergoing treatment for cancer and the Princess of Kate is recuperating from abdominal surgery.