Edward holds the punchbag in sparring session with young boxer

The Duke of Edinburgh turned sparring partner as he steadied a punchbag for a young boxer in Stafford.

Edward used his weight to hold the red heavy-duty bag in place for 11-year-old Lacey Douglas as the youngster showed off her right hook at The Right Stuff Amateur Boxing Club.

The King’s brother is carrying out a host of engagements this week, ahead of celebrating his milestone 60th birthday on Sunday, including visiting Leeds to watch the Northern Ballet perform Rome And Juliet on Friday.

The slimmed-down working monarchy has been under increasing pressure, with the institution being branded “threadbare” and “depleted” of public-facing royals.

William pulled out of a memorial service last week due to an undisclosed personal matter, although he has since returned to official engagements.

The Queen meanwhile is away on a week’s holiday.

She has been dubbed the monarchy’s “saviour” in the press and praised for keeping “the show on the road” in the King’s absence.