Prince Edward stepped out on Monday in Buckingham Palace to host a Duke of Edinburgh Award in an outing that raised concerns by royal fans.
The late Queen's youngest son, 59 wore a grey checked suit with a navy blue tie for the event but his suit appeared to be quite loose fitting on his body, the Express reports.
Worried fans took to social media to comment on his visible weight loss as they expressed their hopes that the Prince Edward is coping well after the loss of his mother in September last year.
YouTuber @according2_taz tweeted: "Just seen recent photographs of the Duke Of Edinburgh Award event at Buckingham Palace.
"I don’t like to comment on people's appearances but Prince Edward has lost a lot of weight recently, I hope he’s ok. His suit was hanging off him."
Another viewer @AllexmarieHoll1 echoed: "He has had an emotional 18 months but you’re right he has lost an awful lot of weight.. I do hope he is ok. He is one of my favourite royals."
Royal fan @willowbarcelona added: "In the midst of grief he also has done a lot of travelling, overseas as well. He may as well have taken up running or spin cycling as a way to maintain mental and emotional energy these past two worrying and sad years.
"Also Louise going to university is a huge family adjustment."
Twitter account @emerald88604982 agreed: "Prince Edward has lost a tremendous amount of weight! The loss of his mum must have been really hard on him! I hope he’s doing okay!"
Fans also speculated that perhaps the recent rifts in the royal family have taken a toll on the Duke.
Royal fan @LouizaAlcott tweeted: "I can't imagine what the strain and stress of all this is doing to everyone. I worry about Prince Edward. He has lost so much weight, and looks drawn, in my opinion."
Twitter account @_the_crown_uk added: "I noticed his drastic weight loss and also William looks drawn in on the face, the stress they must all be under."
However, not all users were as convinced that Edward's weight loss might be down to stress as @WilliamCobane argued: "In his new role, Edward has a larger profile. He is probably becoming more fit and hasn't had time to have his suits tailored."
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