The Duchess of Edinburgh received an early birthday celebration today during her visit to Company Shop's community hub in Lambeth, where she was presented with a special cake ahead of turning 60 on January 20.
Sophie, 59, beamed as she was photographed with the cake at the London establishment, which provides affordable food and social spaces for community members.
The royal made her feelings clear as she looked thrilled to receive the thoughtful gift during her first public engagement of 2025.
The duchess spent time exploring the community shop, one of 13 UK locations where people can purchase quality foods at discounted prices while connecting with fellow community members.
Sophie makes feelings clear as Duchess of Edinburgh presented with 60th birthday cake
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Sophie put on an elegant display, wearing a cream "Volcano" coat from Harris Wharf layered over a £95 burgundy jumper from Whistles.
Her outfit featured an Alberta Ferretti high-waisted pleated midi skirt in green, perfectly complemented by £995 garnet leather ankle boots from Jimmy Choo.
Sophie accessorised with a Sophie Habsburg "Paola" handbag in green, priced at £293, demonstrating her keen eye for colour coordination.
The mother-of-two completed her ensemble with £147 "Poetica" small hoop earrings and a £129 "Africa" ring, both from Giulia Barela.
The Duchess of Edinburgh posing beside her 60th birthday cake
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During her visit, the duchess got involved in serving meals to attendees at the community café, displaying her hands-on approach to royal duties.
Sophie appeared in high spirits throughout the engagement and was seen giving a thumbs-up to community members.
Executive Chairman of Community Shop, Gary Stott, said: "We are honoured to have welcomed Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Edinburgh, to Community Shop Lambeth today.
"This royal visit highlights the vital importance of our mission and is a real boost for the Community Shop team who work tirelessly to tackle food insecurity."
The Duchess of Edinburgh wore Jimmy Choo boots with a Sophie Habsburg bag
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The duchess took time to browse the supermarket shelves, engaging with customers and staff while learning about the hub's operations.
The establishment serves as both a shopping venue and a social space where community members can gather and share meals together.
Community Shop Lambeth has made a significant impact on the local area, as highlighted by Community Wellbeing Practitioner Esther Dennis.
"Over the past decade we've managed to save our local members over £6 million on their shopping in our Lambeth store enabling our community to support themselves and their families," she said.
The Duchess of Edinburgh serving lunch in the cafe during a visit to 'The Company Shop'
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The hub has successfully delivered 12,000 development programmes for the local community, with profits being reinvested back into these initiatives.
"The Duchess of Edinburgh's support today will help to amplify our message as we continue expanding our efforts to tackle food poverty in our local community and nationwide," Dennis added.
The establishment continues to serve as a vital lifeline, providing both affordable food options and a welcoming space where local residents can share stories, learn and eat together.
