King Charles’s ‘secret weapon’, Sophie, was assigned a key mission by Buckingham Palace just before tragedy struck the royal family.
However, the dutiful and loyal senior working royal, the 60-year-old remained steadfast in her job and followed the appropriate instruction given to her during her four-day visit to Canada.
Praising the efforts of the royal, a statement was released about the Duchess of Edinburgh and her royal engagements conducted in Alberta in Canada this week.
“Highlights of the visit included attending the Spruce Meadows Masters Tournament, of which The Duchess is Patron, meeting young people at the Youth Centres of Calgary, and joining riders and volunteers at the therapeutic riding charity Opening Gaits,” the statement read.
“HRH also spent time with representatives from Canadian Indigenous communities, veterans, and learnt about the life-changing role of service dogs with the charity PADS.”
It revealed that Sophie met with Vice-Regal Representatives and, while in Edmonton, the South Alberta Light Horse Regiment, of which she is Colonel-in-Chief.
“Thank you, Canada, for such a warm welcome and for sharing so much wonderful horsemanship, music and culture,” the message concluded.
Sophie was approved as the patron of the Spruce Meadows – a top show jumping facility – in April, and she was invited to attend the 50th Anniversary of the facility.
She arrived on Thursday, just a day before the annoucement about the passing of the Duchess of Kent was made. Despite the upsetting news, Sophie performed all her duties, whilst also following key royal protocols during the mourning periods.
The Duchess wore dark clothing for during her entire four-day tour to honour the late royal and observe the mourning period, which the King declared would be until the funeral on Septmeber 16.