Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, pictured here at an engagement earlier this month, has followed in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, and the Queen Mother, inheriting one of the royal family's most historic patronages.
It was a milestone occasion for the future queen of the Netherlands, as Crown Princess Catharina-Amalia undertook her first independent royal engagement β and while Queen Maxima may not have been by her daughter's side, the Princess of Orange paid tribute to her mother by channelling the Queen's signature style. The Duchess of Edinburgh has championed the rights of women during conflicts, and in April became the first royal to visit Ukraine since the Russian invasion.
The year-old royal donned a sophisticated all black ensemble for the outing, including a Valentino floral skirt and a handbag from Sophie Habsburg. The Duchess, known for her good humour, was seen joking with members of the union and beaming while she talking with a young girl who showed Sophie her artwork. Across nearly two centuries, the charity has evolved into an international campaigning force, with four million members across 84 countries. Queen Camilla stepped out in Harlesden in a new brooch, one that might just have some links to a scandalous family member.
Sophie and Prince Edward have recently returned from a state visit to Nepal, which was followed by a family skiing holiday in San Moritz. Ruth Ellis escaped an abusive childhood to rise to the top of London's nefarious nightclub scene β but history remembers her as the last British woman to be sentenced to death after she murdered her racing driver lover.
In October last year, Sophie stepped up as patron of the Girlguides, a role that the late Queen took on in , the year of her coronation, and held until her death in September Like any good Guide, the Duchess is certainly well prepared: she spent her childhood as a Brownie and her daughter, Lady Louise Windsor , graduated all the way to a Guide. The late Queen herself was both a Guide and a Sea Ranger before ascending to the throne. Princess Elizabeth inspecting a collection of Girl Guides in β she would later serve as the organisation's patron for 69 years.
