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William and Sophie try local gin© Getty Images

Prince William teases aunt Duchess Sophie during first joint engagement in 2 years

The Prince of Wales enjoyed a rare joint outing with his aunt

Danielle Stacey
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon
Updated: June 6, 2025
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The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Edinburgh chinked cups of gin as they were given a warm welcome to the Royal Cornwall Show on Friday.

Prince William, 42, who is known as the Duke of Cornwall in the county, was joined by his aunt, Sophie, 60, at the event.

The pair were all smiles as they arrived at the Royal Cornwall Showground as they took selfies with well-wishers and toured the different stalls, which included local delicacies and tipples.

At the gin stand, William quipped: "I can see what today's going to be like."

After the pair both tried some of the spirit, he caught the Duchess going for another sip and joked: "You're not allowed to finish it. You've got to watch her."

Sophie responded: "He's learnt from the best."

William responded: "I've been caught out with whisky a few too many times. I think I can do that and then oh no I couldn't."

William is patron of The Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association while Sophie is patron of The Association of Agricultural Show Organisations (ASAO) and Vice President of the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association.

The show, which dates back to 1793, showcases the very best in Cornish heritage and tradition through agriculture, food and drink, entertainment and competition.

See all of the best photos from their joint outing.

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Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince William, Prince of Wales, also known as the Duke of Cornwall, share a joke as they attend the Royal Cornwall Show at the Royal Cornwall Showground© Getty Images

Sweet bond

Prince William and Sophie appeared to exchange a joke as they arrived at the Royal Cornwall Show together, with hundreds of well-wishers gathering to catch a glimpse of the pair.

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Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince William, Prince of Wales, also known as the Duke of Cornwall, at the Royal Cornwall Show© Getty Images

Suitably smart

William was dressed in a checked blazer, a blue shirt, dark trousers and a blue tie for the outing, while Sophie opted for a brown suede skirt, a light pink blouse and an olive-green jacket.

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Prince William speaking with locals at Royal Cornwall Show© Getty Images

Greeting the public

Before heading to the stalls, the royals stopped to speak with well-wishers.

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Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh poses for a selfie with well-wishers© Getty Images

Time for a selfie

The Duchess beamed for a selfie as one well-wisher held up her phone for a snap.

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William and Sophie sampled different food© Getty Images

Touring the stalls

The pair then visited the Royal Cornwall Food and Farming Pavilion which showcases dozens of the best artisan food and drink producers from across Cornwall, including Cornish cheeses, jams and preserves, as well as gins and other spirits.

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WIlliam jokes after trying local gin with Sophie© Getty Images

Bit strong, William?

The Prince had a hilarious reaction after sampling some local gin with Sophie.

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Prince William holding a pasty© Getty Images

Takeaway

William and Sophie were given pasties by Ferguson Miller, 45, Amelia Jones, 25, and Alan Anderson, 69, of Anns Pasties. 

William said: "Ah the pasties arrived! They're hot as well. There's been a few people I passed on the way here with their pasties ready to go. Too good. I'm going to save this for my lunch. Trying to talk and eat is a nightmare."

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William and Sophie drinking cider© Getty Images

Another pitstop

And then it was time to sample some Cornish cider from the Healeys Cyder stand. 

William said:  "Look at the Rattler selection, ah definitely I'm happy about that."

Head of hospitality Laura Clerehugh, 36, said "I was going to say, you've had a rattler."

William responded: "Everyone remembers where they were when they had their first Rattler I can tell you that.

"You remember the first, you don't remember the last."

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Prince William and Sophie laugh as they try cider© Getty Images

A right royal giggle

The pair looked like they were having a lot of fun while touring the different stalls and sampling the goods on offer.

William asked about the "zero" on the bottle of cider, and when told that it meant zero alcohol he put the cup down and said: "Oh no, no, no. I need original. Someone bring out the big guns."

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William speaking with mother and baby at Royal Cornwall Show© Getty Images

Paternal side

William was spotted cooing as he chatted with a mother and her baby.

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Duchess Sophie stroking a cow© Getty Images

Moo-ving on

Sophie and William then peeled off to visit different sections of the show.

The Duchess made a new friend as she was shown around the Cattle, Pig, Sheep and countryside area.

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William and Sophie pose with staff at Royal Cornwall Show for group photo© Getty Images

Group photo

Before departing, the Prince and Duchess posed for a group picture with staff at the show.

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