Duchess of Edinburgh follows in Prince William's footsteps with latest move

Prince William and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh visit Royal Cornwall Show
GB News
Marcus Donaldson

By Marcus Donaldson


Published: 03/07/2025

- 19:28

William and Sophie had previously toured the Royal Cornwall Show together

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, has followed in Prince William’s footsteps as she visited the Groundswell Regenerative Agriculture Festival.

The Prince of Wales had toured the cutting-edge farming technology hub just a day before Sophie’s Thursday trip.


The event, held at Lannock Farm in Hertfordshire, showcased innovative farming technologies including artificial intelligence applications in agriculture.

Sophie could be seen at the event touring the various stalls, observing farm animals, greeting attendees.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince William

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, visited the Groundswell Regenerative Agriculture Festival just a day after Prince William.

PA / Getty

She was also seen sitting on hay bales discussing matters with assembled guests.

The Duchess stepped out wearing a blue and white striped button-down shirt dress with long sleeves.

Over her shoulder, she carried a beige and blue woven bag with a striking embroidered or beaded design, including a snake motif on the strap.

Her accessories are understated yet elegant, including gold earrings, a delicate gold necklace, and a thin bracelet with small charms.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh

Sophie toured the festival which showcased cutting-edge farming technology.

Getty

Sophie perched a pair of sunglasses on top of her head, and her hair is styled in a soft, practical updo.

Her visit to the high-tech farm expo followed Prince William’s own tour of the event where he observed demonstrations of agri-tech innovations and attended expert presentations on regenerative farming methods.

During the festival for farmers and growers, William delivered a "thought for the day" message to the agricultural community.

His attendance at the private event demonstrated royal support for sustainable farming practices and technological advancement in British agriculture.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh

The Duchess spoke with guests at the event.

PA

William and Sophie had previously toured another agricultural event, the Royal Cornwall Show, together.

The Duchess of Edinburgh's visit to Hertfordshire followed her appearance at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival on Wednesday.

She was spotted enjoying an ice cream cone on the first day of the event, but eagle-eyed fans quickly noticed her bare ring finger.

The absence of Sophie's wedding ring came while her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, was in Canada on a royal tour.

Sophie stepping out without her distinctive engagement and wedding rings prompted widespread speculation among royal enthusiasts.

Prince William

Prince William spoke at the expo just a day before Sophie visited.

Kensington Palace

Several explanations have emerged for the missing rings. The soaring temperatures may have caused finger swelling, making the jewellery uncomfortable to wear.

Sophie has previously removed her rings during official engagements. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, she frequently appeared without them for hygiene purposes.

Elsewhere, the Prince of Wales stepped in for King Charles’s to take on the monarch’s hosting duties as he welcomed the President of Kenya, William Ruto, to Windsor Castle on Thursday.

William and Ruto posed for a photo in one of the castle’s grand rooms to mark the occasion while King Charles was busy undertaking his annual tour of Scotland.