Duchess Sophie Stuns Crowd — and Leaves Prince William Blushing — at Farming Festival Appearance. The Duchess of Edinburgh turned heads this week during her visit to a local farming festival — but it wasn’t just her presence that made headlines

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Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, echoed Prince William’s commitment to sustainable farming as she visited the Groundswell Regenerative Agriculture Festival on Thursday (July 3), just one day after the Prince of Wales toured the same site.

Held at Lannock Farm in Hertfordshire, the event is a key annual gathering for farmers, growers, and innovators interested in regenerative agriculture and cutting-edge farming technology, including artificial intelligence solutions designed to support environmental resilience.

The Duchess of Edinburgh made an appearance at a farming festival this week (Credit: Cover Images)

Duchess Sophie makes appearance at farming festival

The duchess was seen warmly engaging with exhibitors, observing livestock, and joining discussions with attendees.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, opted for a practical yet chic ensemble, a blue and white striped button-down shirt dress and taupe espadrille wedges.

The dress featured a tie detail at the waist to create a more flattering silhouette.

She paired the breezy dress with a woven beige and blue bag by Sophie Habsburg. Keeping accessories minimal, the duchess was seen donning gold earrings, a simple necklace, and a slim charm bracelet. A pair of Stella McCartney sunglasses perched on her head completed the relaxed country look. Like many royal women, Sophie tends to keep the focus on her work rather than her wardrobe.

However, during a 2018 event, the former PR executive lightheartedly acknowledged her own style evolution since marrying Prince Edward.

“I can’t claim that my track record in fashion has always been as good as it is today, but you know, we learn in time,” she joked, naming Angelina Jolie and Queen Rania of Jordan as her style inspirations.

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Her visit followed Prince William’s tour of the same event on Wednesday. The Prince of Wales observed agri-tech demonstrations and delivered a speech in support of regenerative practices.

William’s appearance was seen as part of a growing royal push to spotlight sustainable farming and its future in Britain.

However, this isn’t the first time the pair have championed rural causes together. Sophie and William also appeared side by side at the Royal Cornwall Show earlier this summer.

Sophie recently sparked concern after she was seen without her engagement and wedding rings (Credit: Cover Images)

Duchess Sophie

Sophie’s latest engagement came just a day after she visited the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, where she was photographed on a rare solo outing.

However, eagle-eyed royal watchers noticed she was not wearing her wedding and engagement rings, sparking online speculation.

While her husband, Prince Edward, was away on a royal visit to Canada, some suggested the high heat may have made the rings uncomfortable.

Others recalled Sophie’s habit of removing her rings during the pandemic, likely for hygiene or comfort reasons. Noted, Sophie has gone without wearing the sentimental accessories for overseas trips, portraits and more.

Sophie isn’t the only royal to occasionally skip her engagement ring. Both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle have done the same. Kate opted for a simpler ring stack during her cancer treatment, occasionally leaving behind the sapphire ring once worn by Princess Diana. Meghan also briefly wore just her wedding band in 2023. The Duchess’ engagement ring was being serviced due to a loose setting.

Meanwhile, Prince William took on a key role in King Charles’ absence, as he welcomed Kenyan President William Ruto to Windsor Castle on Thursday.

The royal hosted the dignitary during Charles’ week-long visit to Scotland as part of Royal Week