Duchess Sophie dazzled on Monday evening as she made a surprise appearance at a glitzy gala in London. The Duchess of Edinburgh attended the Reasons For Hope Gala, which was held at the Peninsula London on Monday.
The event celebrated the late environmental activist Dame Jane Goodall’s legacy and supported the Jane Goodall Institute.
The conservationist, who was a world-leading expert on chimpanzee behaviour, died in October at the age of 91. Sophie looked elegant in a Zimmerman maxi dress with neutral and earthy tones and a paisley motif.
It featured a belt around the waist, and the royal completed her look with a gold clutch and gold jewellery.
Sophie sported bronzy make-up, while her hair was styled down in loose waves.
Royal fans loved the Duchess’s look and took to social media to praise her.
One user asked on X: “Doesn’t Sophie look amazing?”
Another one agreed: “She looks STUNNING.”
A third one said: “This is one of my favourite looks for her. Her hair, the understated makeup, it’s all superb with that dress.”
A fourth one commented: “This will be one of my favourite dresses she’s ever worn.”
A fifth one chimed: “She looks fabulous! Gorgeous gown!”
Ricky Gervais, Peter Egan and Dr Jill Robinson are the first recipients of the Jane Goodall award.
The gala was hosted by James Nesbitt and also featured special appearances from the Prince of Wales and Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio, who featured in pre-recorded videos.
The event was held to support the Jane Goodall Institute UK and Roots & Shoots UK, and also featured a live performance from Hold My Hand singer Jess Glynne, a live auction and a curated silent auction.
Dame Jane, whose research on chimpanzees was the longest field study ever undertaken of any group of animals in the wild, began her studies in Tanzania in 1960.
In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute, which works to protect chimpanzees and supports youth projects aimed at benefiting animals and the environment.