Prince Edward appeared in great spirits as he spoke to players ahead of the final T20 international cricket match on Sunday.

The royal, 60, was all smiles as he arrived in India today for a three-day visit to celebrate the shared ties between the two countries, and to promote the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award – set up by his late father Prince Philip in 1956.

The accolade is delivered in India as the International Award for Young People, a non-formal education and learning framework supporting young people to 'find their purpose, place and passion in the world'. 

During his first stop, Prince Edward beamed as he chatted to India's captain Suryakumar Yadav and England's captain Jos Buttle at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, ahead of the match between the two nations.

King Charles's younger brother was dressed to the nines in a dapper black suit jacket, which featured gold buttons.

The Prince, who paired his smart look with a lavender shirt and contrasting grey trousers, appeared cheerful as he took pictures and greeted attendees at the press showing. 

The royal also posed up a storm with the Trade Commissioner for South Asia and the British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India Harjinder Kang at the game. 

During his visit Prince Edward is also scheduled to travel to Delhi to promote The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.

A statement from Buckingham palace said: 'His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh is visiting India, from Sunday 2nd February to Tuesday 4th February, to celebrate the shared ties between the UK and India, and champion young people and the benefits of non-formal education.'

The British High Commission in India stated, 'His Royal Highness will travel to Mumbai and Delhi to promote The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, delivered as The International Award for Young People (IAYP) in India: a non-formal education and learning framework supporting young people to find their purpose, place and passion in the world. 

'Since its inception in India in 1962, the Award has helped more than 150,000 students from 325 schools and educational institutions across the country.'

'In addition to meeting with members of the government, His Royal Highness is scheduled to undertake varied engagements spanning the breadth of the living bridge that connects the UK and India. 

'This includes discussions with Indian education and business leaders and philanthropists, and joining events that celebrate our shared love for sport and the arts.' 

Since 1962, the International Award for Young People (IAYP) is said to have helped more than 150,000 students from 325 schools and educational institutions across the country. 

It is described as the world’s leading youth achievement award, bringing together practical experiences and life skills to create committed global citizens and equipping young people for life. 

Prince Edward's visit marks the first official UK royal visit to India since Charles made a trip to India in November 2019.

The Prince and Princess of Wales visited India in 2016. During their visit, a grand reception was held in Mumbai with several Bollywood stars coming together to greet them. 

The royal couple also met some of the city's children in a deprived area that sits besides one of the wealthiest districts. 

There William and Kate kicked a football around in front of crowds of people having made their way to the 12th century Banganga Water Tank.

Located in the Malabar Hill area of Mumbai, it is home to more than 10,000 people who live in 1,500 tiny breezeblock two-storey huts crammed into narrow alleyways beside one of the wealthiest districts of the city of 20 million.

The royal couple chose to visit the region in Mumbai to meet representatives of a charity called SMILE that focuses on giving skills and opportunities to young people and their parents. 

The couple's first official engagement of the visit saw them lay a wreath at a memorial to the hotel’s victims of the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, before the royal couple changed outfits for a trip to Oval Maidan.

Highlights of the tour saw William and Kate visit the Taj Mahal - famously visited by Diana, Princess of Wales - where the royal couple hope to create 'new memories'. 

They also attended a glittery Bollywood gala dinner – with singers, dancers and even a nod to fashion.

Meanwhile in 2019 King Charles celebrated his 71st birthday with a party in Mumbai.

The monarch marked the milestone with a small event attended by local school children whose education is supported by his charitable foundation, the British Asian Trust.

The schoolchildren presented the royal with a present featuring the stories of Hindu deity Krishna, told with tiny figures in three bonsai gardens.

They also sung 'Happy Birthday' to the royal and enjoyed a slice of delicious chocolate cake.