The Duchess of Edinburgh has stepped in for King Charles on Friday to inspect the troops during a visit to Sandhurst Royal Military Academy.
Sophie, 60, represented the monarch at the Sovereign's Parade as he rested following his four-day state visit to Italy with Queen Camilla.
The King had no public events scheduled on Friday after the royal couple's packed schedule of engagements over the four-day tour, which included visits to the Colosseum, meetings with Italian officials and an audience with Pope Francis.
King Charles and Queen Camilla also celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary during the trip on April 9.
The Duchess of Edinburgh stepped in for King Charles on Friday to inspect the troops during a visit to Sandhurst Royal Military Academy
Getty
The duchess inspected the troops of CC242 who had completed 44 weeks of rigorous training, sharing smiles with some of the cadets.
Sophie looked elegant in a cornflower blue coat dress featuring a sharp collar and thin waist-cinching belt.
The April event marked a historic moment for Sandhurst, featuring the school's first all-female Banner Party.
The parade takes place three times annually and is typically attended by royals once per year, with Sophie having previously attended in 2013 and 2019.
Sophie represented the monarch at the Sovereign's Parade as he rested following his four-day state visit to Italy with Queen Camilla
Getty
Sandhurst is significant for the Royal Family as both Prince William and Prince Harry carried out their military training there.
Prince William's passing out in 2006 was one of the first major royal events attended by the then-Kate Middleton before their marriage.
When watching the prince's graduation ceremony, the then-royal girlfriend was joined by her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton.
In 2023, King Charles referenced his sons' time at the academy during a speech.
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Sophie looked elegant in a cornflower blue coat dress featuring a sharp collar and thin waist-cinching belt
Getty
He said: "Speaking as a father of two alumni of this Academy who remembers their passing out parades, I know they will be full of immense pride in witnessing you on parade."
The King and Queen announced they will lead the Royal Family on Easter Sunday in a statement by Buckingham Palace.
Easter Sunday takes place on April 20, and the Royal Family will gather at St George's Chapel in Windsor.
The statement read: "Their Majesties The King and Queen, accompanied by Members of the Royal Family, will attend the Easter Matins Service at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor on Easter Sunday."
