How Duchess Sophie has become the unsung hero of Christmas by taking the pressure off Kate Middleton
The festive period is a busy time for many people, yet Sophie the Duchess of Edinburgh has been hard at work and attended several engagements in recent weeks.
Whether singing carols or making mince pies, Sophie hasn't shied away from stepping up while Princess Kate has been making a gradual return to duties following treatment for cancer.
Back in November, the Duchess showed her supportive side when she warmly put her arm around a Yazidi survivor while attending a photography exhibition.
Then, earlier this month, Sophie wore a glamorous gown and attended the Qatar State Banquet at Buckingham Palace with other Royals.
Days later, the Duchess of Edinburgh joined in with the festivities during a visit to the Bagshot Women's Institute and made decorations.
While at the 'Together at Christmas' carol service at Westminster Abbey, Sophie was stood by the Princess of Wales, and the following week she got stuck in with Christmas fun with the Disability Initiative charity and sang carols.
She even found time to visit The Lighthouse Charity in Woking yesterday.
From taking part in charity work to attending glitzy events, Sophie has become somewhat of a Christmas angel for the Royal Family.
Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, during a visit to Disability Initiative's resource centre in Camberley earlier this month
The Duchess walking with her arm around Yazidi survivor Awaz Abdi in November
Sophie, Prince Edward, Princess Kate and Prince William viewing Qatari items on display in Buckingham Palace on December 3
On November 27, Sophie attended 'The Women Who Beat ISIS' photography exhibition at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office.
The event was hosted by Farida Global which supports genocide survivors and victims of conflict and religious persecution.
During her visit, Sophie met Awaz Abdi and shared a tender moment with the Yazidi survivor. She put her arm supportively around the young woman while they were walking, deep in conversation.
The Duchess also took time to look at the portraits of other Yazidi women who had been held captive by ISIS and suffered terrible horrors.
Less than a week later, Sophie was busy attending the Qatari State Banquet and dazzled in an elegant black gown.
She accompanied Qatari Energy Minister Saad Sherida al-Kaabi and wore the Wessex aquamarine tiara.
Other Royals in attendance included King Charles, Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, Prince William, Sir Timothy Laurence, Duchess of Gloucester, and Sophie's husband, Prince Edward.
Kate wasn't present at the banquet, but she did greet the Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the first of his three wives, Sheikha Jawaher, on Horse Guards Parade in London. She also joined them for a private lunch at Buckingham Palace later that day.
Sophie accompanying Qatari Energy Minister Saad Sherida al-Kaabi to the Qatar State Banquet
The Duchess joining in with festivities with Bagshot Women's Institute at St. Anne's Parish Hall on December 5
Sophie attending the 'Together at Christmas' carol service at Westminster Abbey which was hosted by Kate earlier this month
Kate stands beside her children and Sophie during the carol service in Westminster Abbey
Just two days later, Sophie got stuck in with festivities during a visit to St Anne's Parish Hall and joined the Bagshot Women's Institute's celebrations.
She made a decoration with greenery and a candle while chatting with the women and wore a colourful paisley print skirt, according to Hello! magazine.
The outfit choice was strikingly similar to what she donned later in the week to the 'Together at Christmas' carol service hosted by Kate at Westminster Abbey.
She wore a floral bohemian style dress and white wintry blazer, which she paired with brown boots and a white bag.
Sophie beamed as she walked into the Abbey and greeted clergy. She then sat beside Kate for the service.
The Duchess has showed support of the Princess's annual carol service by attending every year since it began in 2021.
Later on in the month, Sophie joined Disability Initiative - a charity she has been patron of since 2003 - at their resource centre in Camberley. The charity supports individuals with disabilities as well as their families.
During her visit, she made mince pies and painted a festive scene while donning a red Santa hat.
Sophie also sang a range of songs and Christmas carols with the group, including 500 Miles, Silent Night and Merry Christmas while playing the triangle, Hello! reported.
Chief Executive Lucy Brown, told Hello! magazine: 'The Duchess made mince pies - they were lovely - she also painted an incredible picture, and this was all an immersive experience.
'It was with the clients as well as our guests, so everyone was involved.'
Sophie making mince pies during a visit to Disability Initiative's resource centre in Camberley
She donned a red Santa hat while painting a festive scene with the charity
The Duchess serving food at The Lighthouse in Woking yesterday
Her most recent venture, yesterday, was to The Lighthouse in Woking, a charity that supports members of the community in need through hosting creative projects.
She looked elegant in a plum blouse and green trousers as she got stuck in with other volunteers and served food, Hello! reported.
Sophie has been a patron of The Lighthouse since 2022 and the charity's website reads: 'The Duchess regularly gives time volunteering at The Lighthouse and has been a huge encouragement to the team of volunteers.
'Her Royal Highness is a passionate advocate for those disadvantaged by circumstance, disability or inequality, and is an enormously valued champion in her role as the charity's Patron.'
