On January 20, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, marked her milestone 60th birthday, leaving royal watchers curious about her celebratory plans. True to royal tradition, Sophie spent her special day surrounded by loved ones and engaging in activities fit for a royal occasion.
According to reports, the day began with a pheasant shoot on the Windsor Estate, joined by ten close friends and with special permission from King Charles. Pheasant shooting, a longstanding royal pastime, is usually reserved for Boxing Day but made an exception for the Duchess’s big day.
Later, Sophie hosted an elegant dinner and dance at Bagshot Park, the 120-room mansion she has called home since her 1999 wedding to Prince Edward.
Among the attendees were prominent royals, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, alongside notable guests like composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and some of Sophie’s longtime friends from her PR and ski company days.
Sophie’s children, Lady Louise and James, Earl of Wessex, were also present to celebrate their mother. Her father, Christopher Rhys-Jones, and brother, David, were in attendance as well.
The celebration followed the release of stunning portraits taken by Christina Ebenezer, showcasing Sophie’s elegance and modern royal style. The images captured the Duchess in a black roll-neck paired with a white pleated skirt, radiating poise as she celebrated this significant milestone.
