Duchess Sophie looks radiant in new portrait as she announces exciting project

Duchess Sophie looked radiant in a new portrait as she announced an exciting new patronage this week. 

The Duchess of Edinburgh, 61, has become the royal patron of Edinburgh-based charity Visualise Scotland following her visit to the city with Prince Edward last week. 

The charity provides high-quality care services to people with disabilities in Edinburgh and East Lothian. It once solely provided care to visually impaired people, but now helps people with a range of disabilities. 

To mark the occasion, a stunning new portrait of the Duchess taken at Bagshot Park was released. 

© Getty Images

Sophie looked elegant in a cream dress with bell sleeves, chunky gold hoop earrings and plum-coloured nail polish, with her blonde hair tied back in her signature chignon. 

Pauline Gray, CEO of Visualise Scotland, said: "We are honoured and proud that The Duchess has agreed to be our Royal Patron supporting our mission to deliver outstanding services to people with disabilities through housing support, supported living and a range of day services."

The new patronage underscores the royal's longstanding commitment to people with physical, social, and visual disabilities, which has been reflected in her work for many years. 

Date night with Lady Louise and Felix

Last Friday, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh enjoyed a date night out to the theatre, and were joined by their daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, and her boyfriend, Felix da Silva Clamp. 

The group all headed out to enjoy a production of Inala, which is being shown at the House of Sisters Grimm Theatre in the West End.

© Getty Images

Speaking to HELLO!, Pietra De Mello-Pittman, the co-founder of House of Sisters Grimm, said: "It was incredibly special to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and their children to INALA, 12 years after its world premiere here in Edinburgh."

Lady Louise, 22, looked lovely in a green blouse and plaid skirt, and was seen chatting to cast members with Felix. 

© Getty Images

She is believed to have met her partner during her studies at the University of St Andrews, where she graduated earlier this summer. 

The young royal will now be taking a gap year, Buckingham Palace confirmed. 

Duchess Sophie's busy summer schedule

Though most working members of the royal family are now on their summer break – including the King and Queen and Prince and Princess of Wales – the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh maintained a busy working schedule last week.

© Getty

On Friday, the Duchess undertook a surprise visit to Capability Scotland – which provides care, support, and education for disabled people – to mark their 80th anniversary. 

The couple was pictured at the European Athletics Championships on Thursday, while Sophie enjoyed indoor skiing at the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead on Monday. 

Away from the cameras, the couple's son, James, Earl of Wessex, received his A-level results and will be heading to the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester in September.