Duchess of Edinburgh visits barracks in military uniform for competition as she begins five-day trip to Canada – without husband Prince Edward
The Duchess of Edinburgh visited the barracks yesterday in military uniform as part of her five-day solo trip to Canada.
Sophie, 58, was all smiles as she greeted army personnel at the Lake Street Armory military barracks in St. Catharines.
The mother-of-two was on base as she attended The Duchess of Edinburgh competition, hosted by the Lincoln and Welland Regiment.
This competition takes place annually and sees Sophie’s military connections come together to compete in a series of challenges.
This competition aims to test physical and mental strength through challenging tasks, but those who emerge victorious will receive a trophy – called The Countess of Wessex Cup – presented by the Duchess herself.
The Duchess of Edinburgh visited the barracks yesterday in military uniform as part of her five-day solo trip to Canada
The royal was dressed for the occasion in a camouflage jacket with the Canadian flag on the sleeve.
The garment was even personalized with her title on the left pocket, reading: ‘The Duchess of Edinburgh’ in white text.
With Armistice Day approaching on November 11, Sophie honors those who fought for Britain during the Second World War by pinning a poppy to her uniform.
The Red Poppy – the symbol of the Royal British Legion – is a symbol of both remembrance and hope for a peaceful future. Poppies are worn as a show of support for the armed forces community.
She opted for a practical look, wearing her blonde locks away from her face. The royal wore her signature pink, glitzy eyeshadow – which matched her painted nails – and statement mascara.
The Duchess wore simple twisted silver studs and sensible brown military-style boots, which she paired with simple forest green trousers.
But towards the evening the Duchess opted for a completely different outfit. She took off her uniform and opted for an elegant evening dress.
The royal family attended a dinner in support of the Lincoln & Welland Regimental Foundation. Guests were treated to a special performance by the Lincoln & Welland Association Band.
She was photographed beaming next to the Honorable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
Sophie, 58, was all smiles as she greeted army personnel at the Lake Street Armory military barracks in St. Catharines
The royal was dressed for the occasion in a camouflage jacket with the Canadian flag on the sleeve
Towards the evening, the Duchess opted for a completely different outfit. She took off her uniform and opted for an elegant evening dress
The Honorable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Sophie Duchess of Edinburgh were pictured together at the dinner
The beauty of the ball! Sophie looked stunning as she attended a dinner in support of the Lincoln & Welland Regimental Foundation
Sophie wore a glittering maxi dress with mesh sleeves, which tied with a belt to show off her chic figure.
She teamed the dainty look with a silver clutch, a pair of gray open-toe heels and a Poppy pin badge.
The Duchess – who arrived in Canada on Friday – also took part in an ice wine tasting yesterday when she visited a Canadian vineyard.
She spent the start of her Saturday visiting the Inniskillin Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, southern Ontario.
Today, the duchess’will attend a memorial service at St Catherine’s Cenotaph, accompanied by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, before attending a reception to meet soldiers of the Lincoln and Welland Regiment and their families,” according to the Royal website.
And on her last day in Canada, November 8, Sophie will spend three days visiting three UHN locations: Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital and Toronto Rehab.
During her visits she will meet people working on the front lines of these organisations, such as healthcare workers, researchers, hospital support workers, volunteers, staff and also visiting patients.
The royal family will “hear more about the latest developments in arthritis, vision and brain research, social medicine and emergency medicine, as well as innovations in cardiovascular care and the latest technologies in physical rehabilitation.”