15-05-2025
Sophie looks on top form as she enjoys a tipple at the Royal Windsor Horse Show
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, was all smiles today as she enjoyed the first day of the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Berkshire.
The Duchess, who is an increasingly prominent figure in the royal family, is the Vice President of the four-day annual event held at Home Park, Windsor Castle.
A beaming Sophie, 60, appeared to throw herself into the day out, enjoying a little tipple, treating herself to some chocolate and browsing rugs and baskets at a stall on site.
The wife of Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, 61, was beaming as she mixed with other attendees and was seen laughing enthusiastically.
Sophie, the mother of James, Earl of Wessex, 17, and Lady Louise Windsor, 21, looked typically stylish today, opting for a dressed-down but elegant look.
Sticking to a neutral palette, she paired an off-white, pleated midi skirt with a cream jumper, topping it all off with a navy military style coat complete with gold buttons.
She was dressed for the cool weather in slouchy suede boots and accessorised with a brown handbag with a handle featuring a white floral design.
Sophie wore her blonde hair brushed back in a chic chignon and added a pair of dainty gold earrings, which brightened her complexion.
The understated duchess kept her make-up simple for the occasion, adding some bronzer and blush, as well as a slick of rose-coloured lipstick.
While Sophie and Edwards's daughter Louise is a keen horsewoman who often competes in equestrian events, she did not accompany her mother today.
The first Royal Windsor Horse Show took place in May 1943 as the Windsor Horse and Dog Show.
King George VI, Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) and the two young princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret were all in attendance.
Last month, Sophie stepped out in a stylish burgundy ensemble alongside her family for the royal Easter church service.
Cheerful Sophie appeared to be enjoying the Easter Sunday sunshine as she strolled alongside her husband Prince Edward, 61, and their son James Earl of Wessex, 17, ahead of the Easter Matins service at St George's Chapel in Windsor, Berkshire.
She looked elegant in a tailored plum double breasted overcoat, which stylishly flared out at the hem, donning a crisp collared white dress underneath.
She matched the stand-out piece with a purple clutch bag, a rose-coloured fascinator and glossy nude kitten heels.
The Duke of Edinburgh looked smart in a grey suit with a brown patterned tie and was seen chatting to his youngest child, James, the Earl of Wessex as the family made their way to the seasonal service.
The teenager - who towered over both of his parents - took a leaf out of his father's book as he donned a smart suit, with a navy and red tie.
The Earl is now taller than his father, who is thought to be around 6ft - photos from last year's Sunday service show them at the same height.
His sister and Sophie and Edward's eldest child Lady Louise Windsor, 21, was missing from this year's service.
She is currently in her third year of studying for an English undergraduate degree at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.
It is thought that Lady Louise is currently studying for her exams, which start on a couple of weeks time on May 10 and finish on May 26.
She is thought to have been Queen Elizabeth's 'favourite grandchild' as royal expert Ingrid Seward explained that Louise and her brother, James, Earl of Wessex, 'were the grandchildren that they saw the most.'
James still lives at Bagshot Park, a 17th-century estate near Windsor, with his parents, whereas Lady Louise relocated up north to Scotland a couple of years ago when she started her university course.
She was dressed for the cooler weather in slouchy suede boots
He is the youngest grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II and he was born James Alexander Philip Theo Mountbatten-Windsor in Surrey on December 17, 2007.
The Sunday service, which runs for one hour from 10.45am until 11.45am, has been a key date in the royal family 's calendar for centuries.
For the occasion Sophie wore her golden tresses up in a practical low bun, pairing the classic hairstyle with beaded dangly earrings.
The royal opted for natural makeup, wearing a hint of pink eyeshadow with matching lipstick to compliment her wardrobe choice.
