The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have a chance to ‘shine’ as they step up in the absence of senior royals and show ‘extraordinary’ candour during engagements, experts tell PALACE CONFIDENTIAL

With some senior members of the royal family out of action, it is now time for ‘junior members’ such as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh ‘to shine’, Richard Eden told Palace Confidential.

On the Mail+ weekly talk show, the Daily Mail’s diary editor noted that “three of the four most senior members of the royal family (are) currently out of action.”

“So it’s a great opportunity for, you know, younger members like Edward and Sophie to shine,” he continued. ‘and hopefully this program will showcase their work in the coming months.

“And I love how they took on some of the less fashionable things.

‘Sophie is very involved with women as war victims and sexual victims crime...And of course Prince Edwards inherited the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme from his father, which is fantastic.

‘So it would be great if the general public could hear more about their good work.’

Daily Mail royal editor Rebecca English revealed she had written about the royal couple in the newspaper this week, discussing their activities.

Sophie was at a school in South London’s East Village this week talking about periods.

Rebecca said, “There’s a big campaign from an organization she’s involved with (the organization is called Wellbeing of Women).

‘(The campaign is called) Just a Period (and tries to) get away from the idea of ​​period shame and embarrassment about seeking help for young girls.

“And actually there were some young… male students in the meeting as well, but she was very open and answered every question that was put to her, you know, some of her most embarrassing moments or awkward moments.”

Rebecca added: ‘When I started this job it was 100 per cent something you would never have heard (the royal family) talk about… I say good things about her.

‘I loved it.’

The Duchess of Edinburgh (pictured) visited a school this week to talk about menstruation – something new for the royals

Meanwhile, her husband Prince Edward (pictured right) has been on a trip to South Africa and St Helena this week

Speaking about Prince Edward, Rebecca discussed how the King’s youngest sibling took a two-day trip to South Africa and St Helena this week.

She discussed a Q&A the Royal Family had done in which he talked about men, which surprised her.

Rebecca continued, “HHe gave a kind of question and answer session when he was in Pretoria… (and he) said very extraordinarily, “Look, I’m a little bit ashamed to be standing here as a man, because I don’t think men are .” is doing very good work for the world right now’.

She noted that he was “referring to conflicts going on worldwide.”

Rebecca said: ‘And again, you know, I thought well, ‘quite outspoken Edward, but a very good talking point’.’