The Duchess of Edinburgh was not present at the state banquet held at Windsor Castle in honour of the Sultan of Oman, despite having taken part in the day's earlier royal engagements. Sophie, 61, was absent from the white-tie event, marking a change from the usual royal line-up.
Earlier Royal Engagements
Earlier on Tuesday, the Duchess joined her husband, Prince Edward, at Windsor Castle, where the couple accompanied members of the Omani delegation as they viewed an exhibition of items from the Royal Collection in the Green Drawing Room. This formed part of the ceremonial welcome for Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
Her absence from the evening banquet was notable given her involvement in the royal proceedings just hours before. Sophie has been described as the Firm's "secret weapon" and has become one of King Charles's most dependable working royals.
Growing Role in the Monarchy
Sophie has quietly established herself as a valuable member of the Royal Family through her dedication and willingness to step up when needed. Following the departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from royal duties in 2020, the Duchess and Prince Edward have taken on a more prominent role.
The couple now regularly represent the monarchy at state occasions and overseas engagements. Despite her growing profile, Sophie has largely avoided the royal spotlight, focusing instead on her work championing women's rights, global eye health and survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.
Close Bond with Queen Elizabeth II
Sophie had an exceptionally close relationship with Queen Elizabeth II, which reportedly extended beyond traditional royal protocol. The late monarch was understood to hold her youngest son's wife in high regard, with the pair sharing a love of the countryside, horses and time at Windsor.
Sophie famously addressed the Queen as "Mama" during a tribute, and after Prince Philip's death in 2021, she was among the family members who offered support to the grieving monarch.
State Banquet for Sultan of Oman
King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for the formal banquet at Windsor Castle, celebrating the relationship between Britain and Oman. The visit runs from October 20 to 22, marking the first state visit by an Omani ruler to the UK in more than four decades.
The last such occasion was in March 1982, when Queen Elizabeth II welcomed Sultan Qaboos bin Said. St George's Hall hosted the festivities while Buckingham Palace undergoes renovations, bringing together political leaders, distinguished guests and members of the monarchy.
