The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have stepped out together at Newbury Racecourse for the first time since Prince Edward’s peppercorn rent deal came to light.
Sophie was all smiles as the couple were pictured with jockeys before the start of the Coral Gold Cup Handicap Chase.
She wore a khaki coat with a giant bow on the neckline, which she put together with a straw hat featuring a pink band and a small purple bag.
Sophie donned a pair of brown boots as she braced the chilly conditions in Berkshire.
She was seen putting her hand to her mouth after watching the action on the racecourse.
Edward wore a smart grey suit, with a white shirt and blue tie, in his first outing since his peppercorn rent deal was reported.
His agreement at Bagshot Park in Surrey has been branded “obscene”, just weeks after it was revealed that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had a similar set-up at Royal Lodge.
Crown Estate documents show Edward pays merely a token rent for Bagshot Park, his 51-acre residence near Bracknell, following a £5million advance payment in 2007.
Prince Edward’s peppercorn rent deal has been branded as ‘obscene’
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PA
The revelation has sparked criticism that the property is a taxpayer-funded subsidy for King Charles’s younger brother, as the Crown Estate’s revenues ordinarily flow to the public purse.
Campaigners argue the Bagshot Park estate could generate substantial income if leased commercially, questioning why the 15th-in-line to the throne receives such favourable terms.
The prince’s 2007 agreement, executed through his company, Eclipse Nominees Limited, secured a 150-year lease of the Grade II-listed property.
The arrangement permits the duke to possibly profit from selling the lease, provided that any future occupant demonstrates financial capacity to maintain the mansion.
Edward wore a smart grey suit and Sophie donned a khaki coat.
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PA
Edward has come under criticism for his ‘peppercorn’ rent deal at Bagshot Park.
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GETTY
Despite the criticism, the duke regularly undertakes domestic and overseas engagements as a senior working royal.
During his official tour of Ghana this month, Edward delivered a theatrical performance whilst slicing a large celebration cake at the British High Commission.
He brandished the ceremonial knife above his head as an event host initiated a countdown from six.
When the count reached zero, the royal brought the blade down to slice through the confection.
The Duke of Edinburgh delivered a theatrical performance whilst slicing a large celebration cake at the British High Commission in Ghana during his official tour
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PAEdward’s ventures in Ghana came as Sophie returned from her trip to South America, where she posed with Paddington Bear at the British Embassy in Peru before meeting the country’s President.
As part of her 10-day visit, the duchess spoke with Peru’s President, Jose Jeri, the Chancellor, Ambassador Hugo De Zela, and other Government officials.
Sophie engaged with individuals at the embassy before the meeting inside the Government’s Palace.
The President of Peru’s social media page read: “To conclude her visit, Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Edinburgh, had a protocol greeting with the President of the Republic, José Jerí and the Chancellor, Ambassador Hugo De Zela. We are proud that the visit of the duchess continues to strengthen the more than 200 years of friendship and collaboration between Peru and the United Kingdom.”