Duchess of Edinburgh struck in the head by a golf ball during royal engagement

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GB News
Dorothy Reddin

By Dorothy Reddin


Published: 05/11/2024

- 14:45

Sophie, 59, could be seen wincing as the ball flew towards her face

The Duchess of Edinburgh got struck in the head by a golf ball during a royal engagement today.

Sophie, 59, could be seen wincing as the ball flew towards her face, with royal photographer Tim Rooke capturing the moment.


He wrote on social media: "Sophie Duchess of Edinburgh manages to hit herself with the ball while playing crazy golf at Legoland Windsor.

"The Duchess was launching NSPCC Numbers Day 2025."

Duchess of Edinburgh

Duchess of Edinburgh struck in the head by a golf ball during royal engagement

Getty

The Duchess of Edinburgh was visiting Legoland in her capacity as Patron of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).

During a game of crazy golf, Sophie hit the ball with the golf club, before it quickly bounded back and hit the duchess in the face.

In the pictures, the mother-of-two turned her face to the side as she was struck in the head.

Legoland is hosting an event to mark the launch of the NSPCC’s annual Number Day, which takes place on February 7.

Duchess of Edinburgh

Duchess of Edinburgh was photographed playing crazy golf at Legoland

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It is an inclusive maths-inspired fundraising day for children in nursery right through to secondary school, with fun, free maths resources and activities.

Alongside Sophie, financial expert Emmanuel Asuquo, celebrity Johnny Ball, and Great British Bake Off 2023 Finalist Josh Smalley all attended the event.

Pupils from local schools were also present and had the opportunity to meet the Duchess of Edinburgh.

Sophie's accident at Legoland comes after Queen Camilla, 77, underwent a chest infection and is currently resting at home.

Duchess of Edinburgh

The Duchess of Edinburgh managed to hit herself in the head with the ball

Getty

Duchess of Edinburgh

The Duchess of Edinburgh arrived to attend the launch of Number Day 2025

Getty

Buckingham Palace confirmed the Queen is cancelling a string of engagements this week, including the Field of Remembrance on Thursday.

The Duchess of Gloucester, 78, is deputising for Camilla at the remembrance event.

The Queen is hoping to be well enough to attend the royal events this weekend, according to the Palace.

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