The Duchess of Edinburgh marked her 60th birthday on January 20, sparking curiosity among royal fans about how Prince Edward’s wife would celebrate the special occasion.
As expected, Sophie rang in her milestone birthday with style, surrounded by family and friends, according to The Sun.
The day began with a round of pheasant shooting on the Windsor Estate, where Sophie was joined by 10 of her closest friends. Special permission for the event was granted by King Charles.
Pheasant shooting, a royal tradition, is typically reserved for Boxing Day at Sandringham, making this a rare and exclusive experience.
The stylish royal also hosted a dinner and dance at her home, Bagshot Park, where she has lived since her 1999 wedding. The 120-room mansion played host to many of Sophie’s nearest and dearest, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, although all members of the royal family were reportedly invited.
To ensure everything ran smoothly, staff from Windsor Castle were enlisted, as Sophie and Edward typically have only two staff members— a butler and a maid.
A Royal Guest List
The guest list for the celebration included some well-known names, such as musical theatre composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, a long-time friend of the couple.
Sophie also invited former colleagues from her time as a press officer at Capital Radio, as well as friends she made while working as a ski company rep in Switzerland.
In addition to royal family members, Sophie invited her father, Christopher Rhys-Jones, and her brother, David, both of whom reside in Kent, where she grew up.
Family Celebrations
As a devoted mother, Sophie ensured her children were part of the festivities. Her daughter, Lady Louise, 21, is said to have traveled from St Andrews University to join the celebration, while her son, Earl James, 17, took a break from his studies to mark his mother’s milestone birthday.
