Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward Step In for King Charles to Lead Historic Parade

Rosa Sanchez
·2 min read
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london, england april 8 sophie, duchess of edinburgh and prince edward, duke of edinburgh on behalf of king charles iii, watch the changing of the guard at buckingham palace with frances gendarmeries garde republicaine taking part to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the entente cordiale the historic diplomatic agreement between britain and france which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars on april 8, 2024 in london, england photo by victoria jones poolgetty images
Duchess Sophie & Prince Edward Step In for CharlesPool - Getty Images
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Members of the royal family are taking on more responsibilities as King Charles III and Princess Catherine lay low to continue their respective cancer treatments.

On Monday, Prince Edward and wife Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, stepped in for Charles to lead the 120th anniversary celebration parade of the Entente Cordiale and witness the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace.

london, england april 8 sophie, duchess of edinburgh and prince edward, duke of edinburgh on behalf of king charles iii, arrive for the changing of the guard at buckingham palace with frances gendarmeries garde republicaine taking part to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the entente cordiale the historic diplomatic agreement between britain and france which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars on april 8, 2024 in london, england photo by victoria jones poolgetty images
Pool - Getty Images

The Entente Cordiale is the diplomatic agreement signed on April 8, 1904 between the United Kingdom and the French Republic that paved the way for their alliance in World War I and World War II, as well as the allyship that has continued.

For Monday’s Changing of the Guard, meanwhile, French troops joined their British counterparts for the first time; the two marched together in a display of solidarity between Britain and France amid Russia’s war on Ukraine. (A parallel ceremony took place in Paris, where British soldiers participated in a military parade in front of the Elysée Palace.)

london, england april 8 sophie, duchess of edinburgh and prince edward, duke of edinburgh on behalf of king charles iii, watch the changing of the guard at buckingham palace with frances gendarmeries garde republicaine taking part to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the entente cordiale the historic diplomatic agreement between britain and france which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars on april 8, 2024 in london, england photo by victoria jones poolgetty images
Pool - Getty Images

For the historic occasion, Sophie looked lovely in a spring ensemble composed of subtle shades: a light beige coat worn over an ivory column dress and paired with suede beige pumps. She also carried a tan and gray handbag with a golden chain strap and accessorized with flower-shaped earrings and a dainty gold necklace. Edward looked dapper in a pinstripe navy suit, light blue dress shirt, a striped navy and red tie, and black shoes.

Charles is currently undergoing outpatient treatment for his form of cancer—which he announced in February—and anxiously awaiting his return to work, Bazaar has learned. Meanwhile, his eldest son, Prince William, wife Queen Camilla, and siblings Andrew and Princess Anne have been taking charge at major royal events on the monarch’s behalf.

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