Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and Prince Edward stood shoulder to shoulder with Princess Charlene and Prince Albert of Monaco.
The royals were attending the principality’s prestigious gala celebrating the Duke of Edinburgh Awards at the Yacht Club de Monaco on Sunday evening.
The gathering marked a significant diplomatic occasion, bringing together the two royal households for what the palace described as “a warm exchange reflecting the bonds of respect and friendship between Monaco and the United Kingdom”.
The Monaco royal family posted an official photograph on Instagram showing the four royals together at the Princely Palace.
Sophie could be seen wearing a smart cream floral blouse combined with white trousers and wedge heels.
Standing next to her, Princess Charlene selected a mocha-toned blazer and trouser ensemble paired with a black top and heels.
The princes complemented their wives’ refined appearances, with both Edward and Albert dressed in navy suits.
Below the image, was a caption from the Monegasque palace recounting the meeting.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, demonstrated her ‘friendship’ with Princess Charlene during a visit to Monaco
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GETTY
It read: “Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene had the pleasure of welcoming Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh on their visit to the Principality,” the caption began.
“A meeting of respect, friendship and warm discussions between Monaco and the United Kingdom.
“Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene had the pleasure of welcoming Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh during their visit to the Principality of Monaco.
“A warm exchange reflecting the bonds of respect and friendship between Monaco and the United Kingdom,” the statement celebrated.
The Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess Charlene appearances together are rare, although the two have encountered each other at various royal gatherings over the years.
Their previous meetings include the 2023 pre-Coronation celebration at Annabel’s, the 2013 nuptials of Princess Madeleine of Sweden, and a 2010 Victoria and Albert Museum exhibition honouring Grace Kelly’s fashion legacy.
Sophie’s visit to Monaco followed her recent return from an important four-day mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo, undertaken at the Foreign Office’s request earlier this month.
The royal travelled to the African nation under heavy security, where met female peacebuilders to support their work on local peace initiatives and witnessed the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict, particularly on women and girls.
The Duchess of Edinburgh recently returned from an important trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo
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PA
Sophie previously travelled to the embattled nation in 2022, where she undertook a similar work.
Her visit coincided with the United Kingdom’s marking of the 25th anniversary of Women, Peace and Security and UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
While there, she met Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Dr Denis Mukwege, for his second time to discuss his work supporting survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.
Since her last trip, Dr Mukwege has greatly expanded his Panzi Clinic in the capital Kinshasa – where Sophie sat down for an emotional discussion with survivors.