His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, accompanied by Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Edinburgh, attended the ISU European Figure Skating Championships 2026 last week at the Utilita Arena Sheffield, where Their Royal Highnesses met key stakeholders and watched a captivating Men’s Short Program.

Upon arrival, The Duke was formally welcomed by ISU Vice President for Figure Skating Benoît Lavoie, together with outgoing British Ice Skating President Robin Cousins MBE. 

Robin Cousins, President British Ice Skating (left), his Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh (centre) and Benoît Lavoie, ISU Vice President Figure Skating (right) at the ISU European Figure Skating Championships 2026 in Sheffield, England. © ISU

“It was a great honour to welcome Their Royal Highnesses to the ISU European Figure Skating Championships here in Sheffield,” said Benoît Lavoie. “His Royal Highness showed genuine interest and remarkable accessibility with the skaters and our young volunteers, which was truly appreciated by everyone. I was also deeply touched by the long-standing historic connection between Sheffield and Figure Skating, symbolised by Queen Victoria’s skates - a treasured reminder of this remarkable legacy.”

His Royal Highness went on to meet with British skaters competing at the Championships, alongside British skating legend Sir Christopher Dean and fellow skater and coach Karen Barber. 

Sir Christopher Dean (left), his Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh (centre) and coach Karen Barber (right) at the ISU European Figure Skating Championships 2026 in Sheffield, England. © ISU

The Duke spent time with a group of dedicated volunteers representing all four Home Nations. Many of the volunteers had travelled considerable distances to support the event, highlighting the enthusiasm, commitment, and community spirit that underpin Figure Skating across the United Kingdom.

His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, meeting skaters from the British Team at the ISU European Figure Skating Championships 2026 in Sheffield, England. © ISU

During the visit, The Duke was shown a pair of ice skates made in Sheffield from Sheffield steel in 1840 for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert by Marsden Brothers and Co. 

His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, admiring the pairs of skates made in 1840 for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, during the ISU European Figure Skating Championships 2026 in Sheffield, England. © ISU

The Duke also met pupils from Sheffield’s Prince Edward’s Primary School before concluding their visit by watching part of the Men’s Short Program, which saw Nika Egadze of Georgia come out on top en route to the overall title.

His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, meeting primary school pupils during the ISU European Figure Skating Championships 2026 in Sheffield, England. © ISU