ROYAL EXCLUSIVE DELIGHTED TO BE BACK IN CANADA THE DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH HITS THE MARK ON A GLAMOROUS AND POIGNANT TOUR

Sophie wowed with her down-toearth charm and chic style

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Saying it was “fantastic to be back,” the Duchess of Edinburgh brought her down-to-earth charm and chic style to Canada for a five-day solo visit.

Returning to the country she first visited as a royal 23 years ago, Prince Edward’s wife wowed at every stop, whether she was sampling the vintages at a winery, taking part in target practice at a military competition or trying out cutting-edge medical innovations at Canada’s leading hospitals.

“She spent a lot of time talking to people, especially kids,” royal photographer Tim Rooke, who accompanied the mom of two on her Ontario trip, tells Hello! Canada. “She’d squat down so she was eye level with the kids and chat with them. She’s very engaging and warm.”

Looking smart in a navy military-style wool jacket from Bally, Sophie, 58, kicked off her trip at Inniskillin Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., where she sampled award-winning icewines – dessert wines made from grapes that have frozen before being picked – and proved to be an insightful connoisseur.

“I was impressed by her knowledge, and she asked some great questions,” says Inniskillin winemaker Nick Gizuk. “She is an avid home chef and put it together very quickly that icewine would make excellent reductions for sauces on meats and roasts.”

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