The Duchess of Edinburgh was notably absent from Wednesday night’s banquet at Guildhall, raising questions from royal fans on social media.
The Duke of Edinburgh attended the formal dinner solo, accompanying Emperor Naruhito as part of their state visit to the UK.
Despite Buckingham Palace’s initial press release indicating that Sophie would join her husband at the banquet, the Court Circular revealed that she attended the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers’ Festival of Sport at The Prince Philip Barrack in Chippenham, Wiltshire, in her role as Colonel-in-Chief.
This appearance follows her stunning presence at the Buckingham Palace state banquet on Tuesday night, where she wore an emerald green gown by Suzannah London and dazzling jewels from the royal vaults.
For the first time, Sophie, 59, wore the Lotus Flower Tiara, a headpiece previously adorned by the Princess of Wales and Princess Margaret. The diamond floral-shaped jewels once belonged to the Queen Mother and were originally a necklace from Garrard.
Additionally, she was loaned the late Queen Elizabeth’s pear-shaped diamond drop demi-parure with matching earrings.
Earlier, Prince Edward and Sophie had joined the King and Queen, and the Prince of Wales, as the Emperor and Empress were given a tour of a special exhibition in the Picture Gallery at Buckingham Palace, showcasing items from the Royal Collection related to Japan.
