Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty
Tiara alert forSophie, Countess of Wessex!
Sophie, 57, twinkled in an aquamarine tiara on Tuesday night for the Buckingham Palace state banquet held during the first state visit ofKing Charles III’s reign. The diplomatic dinner honored Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, during his visit to the U.K.
In a unique twist, the piece is convertible, and can alternatively be worn as a necklace. Sophie styled it this way for a London gala in 2006, with the diamond waves cascading down.
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The royal seems to reach for blue-hued jewels, borrowingQueen Elizabeth’s aquamarine ribbon tiara to wear for the wedding of Princess Madeleine of Sweden and Christopher O’Neill in 2013.
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She further accessorized Tuesday with two pieces that belonged to her late mother-in-law: earrings from the Pear-Shaped Diamond Demi-Parure and the Modern Fringe Necklace, according to theCourt Jeweller. Sophie and the Queen were famously close, and the jewelry was a thoughtful homage to their tight bond.
Sophie attended the state dinner with her husbandPrince Edward, who was tasked with animportant dutythe following day. On Wednesday morning, the Earl of Wessex, 58, accompanied President Ramaphosa to two environmental engagements, touring the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the Francis Crick Institute, highlighting scientific initiatives between South Africa and the U.K.
Chris Jackson/Getty
Prince Edward’s solo outing with the world leader is a signal of the elevated royal role he might play during his brother’s reign. Last week, Charles, 74, asked British Parliament to make Prince Edward andPrincess AnneCounsellors of State. Theseroyal representativescan stand in for the monarch in official duties if he is abroad or unwell.
The petition is being made to round out the ranks, asPrince HarryandPrince Andrew, who are both Counsellors of State, are no longer senior working royals. The update comes after members of Parliamentrecently pointed outthat this conundrum could create a conflict of interest if deputies were needed to act on behalf of the King.
Prince Edward and South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa.Chris Jackson/Getty Images
In another sign of increased royal responsibilities, Edward and Sophie have also been tapped to represent the royal family during a glamorous night out next month.
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Mark Cuthbert/Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty
source: people.com
