Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, appeared in her element today as she led celebrations for the 2027 Tour de France launch at Edinburgh Castle.
The wife of Prince Edward attended the event at the historic landmark on Wednesday where it was revealed the UK will host the Grand Depart of both the 2027 Tour de France and Tour de France Femme.
The 60-year-old looked ethereal in a Max Mara Custodi double breasted cream jacket that featured a wide collar and ankle length hem.
Beneath the stylish coat, she wore a pale lemon dress from Beulah London – likely a nod to the iconic yellow color representing the cycling race.
The mother-of-two wore her beautiful blonde hair pinned in a stylish up do, allowing a few loose strands to frame her face.
She paired the ensemble with a set of Maddox snake-skin wedges, accesorising with a set of geometric silver earrings.
Sophie was pictured beaming as the news was announced, eagerly reaching to clap as she stood next to the equally thrilled First Minister John Swinney who also in attendance today.
The news will likely spark delight among British cyclists as it marks the first time both the men’s and women’s events have come to the same nation outside France in the same year.
It’s not the first time the UK has seen elements of the world famous race, with Britain having previously hosted parts of the route four times before, in 1974, 1994, 2007 and 2014.
Following the announcement, race Director Christian Prudhomme presented a delighted looking Sophie with her very own yellow jersey for the Tour de France.
During the event, the royal was seen chatting to the British track athlete and five times Olympic champion, Dame Laura Kenny.
Elsewhere, she appeared to share a joke with the retired road racing cyclist, Mark Cavendish.
The mother also spoke to a group of budding young cyclists, all of whom were seen sporting the familiar bright yellow colours identified with the famous race.
The men’s 2027 Tour de France will kick off in Edinburgh, with further details for both the men’s and women’s events expected to be announced later in the year.
Six stages of the cycling event will be spread across Scotland, England and Wales, with three each for the men’s and women’s races.
The project involves a partnership between bodies such as British Cycling, UK Sport and the UK, Scottish and Welsh governments, all three of which have committed to making funds available to supplement private finance.
The race is expected to draw in millions, with roadside crowds for the three English stages in 2014 estimated to have reached 4.8 million.
In 2023 when it was Scotland’s turn to host the UCI Cycling World Championships, an estimated one million people packed out pavements over 11 days of cycling action.
Following the exciting announcement, Edinburgh Castle was lit in yellow to mark the occasion, with pyrotechnics and smoke displays creating a dramatic backdrop to the official announcement that both races will be hosted in the UK.
Sophie was among one of a number of officials present at the announcement, with several from official biking bodies there to take in the exciting news.
Joining her was Tour de France general director Christian Prudhomme, Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney and the UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.
Additionally, the British Cycling chief executive Jon Dutton and Tour de France star Sir Mark Cavendish were all at Edinburgh Castle today to celebrate the historic moment.
They were also accompanied by group of young cyclists, Scottish pipers and dignitaries from across England, Scotland and Wales.
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said: ‘It is a tremendous honour to welcome the Tour de France to Scotland. We know it is one of the most iconic and inspiring contests in sport, and that Scotland provides the perfect stage for major events.’
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy added: ‘Staging the Tour de France Femmes for the first time will be an historic occasion and inspire the next generation of female cyclists while supporting our mission of breaking down barriers for women and girls to get more involved in sport.’
It comes after the Duchess was seen visiting a Christian charity that supports families in the UK and around the world.
Last month, Sophie visited the Mothers’ Union in Chelmsford to celebrate its 150th anniversary and learn about its English for Women project.
The mother-of-two radiated glamour with a monochromatic black ensemble, consisting of fitted blazer and stylish V-neck top.
She styled her golden tresses in soft, cascading curls, complimenting her fair appearance with gold earrings and thin pendant necklace.
Sophie dazzled with a full makeup look, donning a sleek cat-eye with a golden shimmer on her lid. She finished the glam look with a swash of rosebud pink lipstick.
The Duchess, who has recently become patron of Mothers’ Union, learnt about its new initiative which aims to help non-English speaking women in the community integrate by breaking down language barriers.
The women-only sessions seek to support people who have fled conflict or challenging situations by building their English speaking skills, as well as broadening their understanding of British culture through small topic-led conversations.
Becoming patron of the charity will see Sophie following in the footsteps of her mother-in-law, the late Queen Elizabeth.