The Duchess of Edinburgh has returned to a significant venue for the first time since receiving her royal promotion in 2023.
Sophie visited young dancers at the Countess of Wessex Studios on Tuesday, an institution which was named in her honour.
This visit marked Sophie's first appearance at the home of the Central School of Ballet since her elevation from Countess of Wessex to Duchess of Edinburgh.
The royal promotion came when her husband, Prince Edward, was granted the Edinburgh Dukedom on his 59th birthday in 2023.
Duchess of Edinburgh makes emotional visit for the first time since royal promotion.
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The title previously belonged to his father, Prince Philip, who received it upon marrying the future Queen Elizabeth II.
The Duchess appeared elegant in a green Zimmermann dress during her visit to the dance institution where she has served as patron since 2003.
Her connection to the venue runs particularly deep, as she officially opened the Countess of Wessex Studios in 2020, named in Sophie's honour, whilst holding her previous title.
The studios, which now bear the name of her former royal designation, represent a significant milestone in the school's development.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh arriving at the Central School of Ballet today.
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The world-leading professional dance training organisation offers comprehensive programmes ranging from classes for three-year-olds through to postgraduate education.
Sophie's visit highlighted her enduring commitment to supporting young dancers across all levels of training.
The Central School of Ballet's facilities at Paris Gardens include seven studios, a fully equipped studio theatre, and comprehensive study and resource centres.
The state-of-the-art health suite provides students with access to psychology and nutrition services, alongside a Pilates programme and injury recovery support.
The Duchess of Edinburgh opening the Countess of Wessex Studios in 2020.
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Located within the South Bank arts community, the professional dance training institution offers education from early childhood through to advanced levels. Classes begin for children as young as three and extend through to 18 years old in their school programme.
The institution also provides undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, establishing itself as a comprehensive centre for professional dance education.
The school first announced plans for its bespoke new premises in March 2017, with Sophie expressing strong support for the move.
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The Duchess of Edinburgh was made patron of the Central School of Ballet in 2003.
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"This is a momentous time in Central's history. Their planned move to Paris Gardens will allow a greater engagement with young people who don't currently get access to dance classes, building on their activities with junior schools in Southwark," she said at the time.
She emphasised the institution's core values, stating: "This organisation was founded on the principle that talented young dancers should get the opportunity to pursue dance as a career independent of financial circumstances or background."
The Duchess, 60, has demonstrated her passion for dance beyond her patronage, having been seen attending Strictly Come Dancing with her daughter Lady Louise Windsor in 2018.
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