The King and Queen led an ultimate display of royal unity on Tuesday morning during a presentation ceremony at St James's Palace.
Charles, 77, and Camilla, 78, were joined by Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester to present the Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Education at the royal family's London residence – a rare joint outing by five working members of the Firm. The King's brother, Prince Edward, had been expected to attend but was forced to withdraw last minute due to a cold, HELLO! understands.
It comes amid a tense period for the royal family following the arrest last week of the monarch's younger brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, over allegations of misconduct in public office.
The King presented awards to 19 universities and colleges that have been recognised for their innovation and excellence across a range of subject areas. These included tackling sustainability in the textile industry, providing higher education in prisons and research into Paralympic performance.
Giving insight into the situation, HELLO!'s royal editor Emily Nash said: "The King is surrounded by his family as he presents these awards, which are named in honour of his late mother Queen Elizabeth II.
"At a hugely challenging time for the royal family, it must be a comfort to have his sister, the Princess Royal, as well as the Queen and Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, alongside him to show a united front."
1/6
© Alamy Stock PhotoThe King and Queen led the royal family in a rare joint engagement by six working members of The Firm on Wednesday morning.
Present at St James's Palace were Charles, Camilla, the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. The Duke of Edinburgh had been expected but made a last-minute absence due to illness.
It made for the largest gathering of royals since the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
2/6
© Alamy Stock PhotoThe Princess Royal was attending the ceremony in her role as Chancellor of Edinburgh University. The institution's Centre for Fire Safety Engineering is receiving an award for research and education.
She initially wore her chancellor's robes but later changed out of them for a meet and greet.
3/6
© Alamy Stock PhotoHis Majesty was joined by his cousins, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
The Queen Elizabeth Prizes are part of the UK national honours system, which recognises at the highest level the outstanding work in universities and colleges.
Sir Damon Buffini, Chair of the Royal Anniversary Trust, said: "The Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Higher and Further Education celebrate the power of education to change the world for the better. This much-loved national honour recognises, at the highest level of state, outstanding work in UK universities and colleges, and the remarkable benefit they bring to our economy, society and the wider world. This year we are delighted to honour 19 institutions whose work offers an inspiring snapshot of the excellent and innovative work going on in universities and colleges across the UK. Congratulations all!"
4/6
© Alamy Stock PhotoAfter the ceremony, Their Majesties and their Royal Highnesses met recipients at a reception to hear more about their award-winning work. A formal honours ceremony is due to take place later this year.
5/6
© Alamy Stock PhotoFollowing Andrew's arrest last week, the King released a statement sharing his "deepest concern" about the situation. "Let me state clearly: the law must take its course," he said.
"As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all."
6/6
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesThe family walked in together to the Picture Gallery at the palace, built by Henry VIII.
There, the King and Queen stood for the national anthem, and the monarch handed out medals to the winners.
They were accompanied by the Princess Royal, who has become seen as Charles's 'right-hand woman' and is thought of by many as the 'hardest working' royal.
