The UK may be experiencing a heatwave right now, but the Duchess of Edinburgh chose to embrace the notoriously wintry sport - skiing!
The wife of Prince Edward headed to the artificial slopes in celebration of being named royal patron of the Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Team (AFPST).
© PA Images via Getty ImagesSophie headed to the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead to watch athletes being put through their paces. She also met those behind the scenes, from coaches to volunteers and board members.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesThe Kent-raised royal is a known accomplished skier and certainly looked the part as she dressed for the slopes, sporting an eye-catching royal blue ski jacket, which she paired with snow boots and a sleek pair of skiing trousers. With her famed blonde hair tied back, the mother of Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex looked as striking as ever.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesDuring the event, she sped across the artificial snow and also tried some target practice with a laser rifle.
Duchess Sophie's new patronage - the lowdown
AFPST supports wounded, injured and sick serving personnel and veterans through adaptive skiing, snowboarding and Nordic disciplines, helping them rebuild confidence, resilience and community, and creating pathways into coaching, competition and adventure.
Project Vidda is one of the AFPST flagships' initiatives for the coming year, which will see a team of amputee veterans undertake an Arctic expedition, crossing the Norwegian Vidda plateau unsupported.
© Getty ImagesElizabeth Winfield, AFPST’s Chief Operations Officer, welcomed the royal guest and introduced her to the breadth of the charity's programmes, remarking: "The Duchess’s patronage marks a defining moment in AFPST's journey. It strengthens our ability to grow, to reach more veterans and to deliver the life-changing programmes that sit at the heart of our charity."
She added: "Having Her Royal Highness meet our athletes first-hand brings powerful visibility to their resilience and achievements and reinforces why projects like Vidda are so vital."
Sophie the ski professional
Sophie is seen as a total pro on the slopes, as she has proved during numerous ski engagements with her husband.
© GettyAll the way back in 2003, Sophie joined Edward at The Alpine World Ski Championships in St Moritz, where the then Countess of Wessex was the ultimate It-girl in a chocolate-brown puffer coat and leopard-print scarf.
