Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, attends the non-religious state funeral of Giorgio Napolitano on Sept. 26.Photo:Marco Iacobucci/IPA via ZUMA Press
Marco Iacobucci/IPA via ZUMA Press
Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburghtraveled to Italy for a somber reason.
On Tuesday,Prince Edward’s wife attended the non-religious state funeral for Giorgio Napolitano in Rome. The former president of Italy died on Sept. 22 at age 98.
Sophie stepped out solo at the Palazzo Montecitorio, and Couture and Royals posted photos onXof her wearing headphones during the service. The Duchess of Edinburgh, 58, was likely listening to a translation of what was being said.
“The Duchess of Edinburgh is seated in first row with Heads of State and members of the Napolitano Family. It has been said that Sophie is representing King Charles III and is the only Royal present,” the fan blog wrote.
King Charles’ sister-in-law was just a few seats away from French President Emmanuel Macron, who welcomed the King andQueen Camillato France for a three-day state visit from Sept. 20 to Sept. 22. Highlights of the trip included a glamorous state banquet at thePalace of Versaillesplus stops at iconic Parisian landmarks like Elysee Palace and Notre Dame.
Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, attends the non-religious state funeral of Giorgio Napolitano on Sept. 26.Serrano/AGF/Shutterstock
Serrano/AGF/Shutterstock
Sophie and Prince Edward have stepped up into elevated royal roles during the last few years of change for the royal family, fromPrince HarryandMeghan Marklestepping back from their working royal roles in 2020 andPrince Andrewgiving up public life in the wake of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein in 2022 and most significantly,Queen Elizabeth’s death last September.
Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward in Edinburgh, Scotland in March 2023.Jane Barlow - Pool/Getty
Sophie and Edwardvisited Edinburghfor the first time with their new titles in March, with Edward calling it a “very special and slightly overwhelming day.” He then referred to Sophie as “my wife and Duchess,” prompting laughs from the crowd. The couple tied the knot in 1999 and are parents toLady Louise Windsor, 19, andJames, Earl of Wessex, 15.
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Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh visits Gul Outdoor Therapy and Activity Centre on Sept. 14.Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images
Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images
It had been Prince Philip’s wish that his youngest son would receive the Duke of Edinburgh title after his death. Towards the end of his life, Prince Edward — alongside Sophie — represented Philip at award ceremonies for the Duke of Edinburgh volunteering program for young people, which Queen Elizabeth’s husband of 73 years established in 1956.
Meanwhile, Prince Edward is currently visiting Turkey, paying a visit to meet withTurkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss defense and trade relations between Turkey and the U.K.,Bloombergreported.
Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, meets with talks with students and teachers as he visiting Kabatas Boys High School in Istanbul, Turkey on Sept. 25.Mehmet Murat Onel/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Mehmet Murat Onel/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
source: people.com
