The Duchess of Edinburgh has made a surprise cameo appearance on The Archers, the world's longest-running radio drama, it has been revealed. Sophie, a long-time fan of the BBC Radio 4 show, joined the residents of Ambridge in Thursday's episode, aired at 7pm on July 9, during the drama's 75th anniversary year.
Sophie's Role in the Episode
In the episode, Sophie appeared as a surprise guest at the fictional Borchester Show, playing herself in her real-life role as honorary president of Linking Environment and Farming (Leaf). The programme's website had teased: "Nerves are frayed on the day of the Borchester Show, and a surprise guest makes their mark."
Sophie follows in the footsteps of other royals who have appeared on the show. Queen Elizabeth II made a cameo in 2011, and Camilla, the then-Duchess of Cornwall, appeared in a special episode for The Archers' 60th anniversary, playing her role as president of the National Osteoporosis Society. Princess Margaret also made a cameo in 1984, attending a fundraising fashion show for the NSPCC at Grey Gables.
Behind the Scenes
Behind-the-scenes images released by the BBC show Sophie recording her segment at the BBC Mailbox in Birmingham in May. She was pictured smiling as she stood in front of her script and microphone under bright studio lights. She met cast members including Tim Bentnick (David Archer), David Troughton (Tony Archer), and Susie Riddell (Tracy Horrobin). At one point, she was shown covering her mouth with her hand in apparent shock or surprise while chatting with Charles Collingwood, who plays Brian Aldridge.
The Archers has been broadcast on BBC radio since 1951 and has produced over 20,000 episodes, making it the longest-running continuous drama serial in the world. It reaches millions of devoted fans who follow the lives of the fictional village of Ambridge.
