How to restore missing desktop icons on MacBook Pro?

Hi. So I connected a second monitor (not even sure if this is related) to my MacBook Pro - still running MS Monterey and I noticed my desktop icons have disappeared. Maybe just coincidence. I go to finder and look on the left hand side in Desktop - Desktop - local comes up, nothing inside. When I specifically search for a folder that was in my desktop it is found. And below it shows the route desktop > folder name.

it looks like I’ve just turned something off my accident. Ive checked iCloud and that hasn’t been backed up for a good long while and the folders are not there, I’ve tried relaunching finder made no difference, and I’ve re-booted the machine several times and still nothing. Note I disconnected the external monitor after I noticed the desktop problem and I haven’t plugged it back in since. Does anybody know what I’ve changed??? Many thanks in advance.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]