This week, the Duchess of Edinburgh made headlines not just for her royal status but also for her unwavering commitment to eye health.
During a visit to University College London (UCL), she highlighted significant advancements in preserving and restoring vision while giving us a dazzling glimpse of her iconic engagement ring.
On Monday, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, toured the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, where she represented one of her patronages, Fight for Sight.
Her interest in eye research has spanned over a decade, largely influenced by her daughter Lady Louise’s previous vision issues, which were successfully addressed through corrective surgeries.
While at UCL, Sophie explored the laboratory focused on inherited corneal diseases, delving into groundbreaking genetic research supported by Fight for Sight.
The Buckingham Palace website emphasizes her dedication to eradicating avoidable blindness, a cause she champions passionately.
Beyond her work with UK charities, Sophie serves as a global ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), traveling to countries like India, Qatar, Malawi, and Bangladesh to witness initiatives combating preventable blindness firsthand.
For this enlightening visit, Sophie opted for a chic floral blouse paired with a stylish leather dress from Chloe.
She complemented her look with gold-plated hoop earrings from Giulia Barella, a brand founded by Barella herself after a career pivot from international relations to jewelry design.
Giulia’s brand carries a powerful message: it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
Sophie has previously worn these earrings during her engagements, including the Royal Tour of Malta in October, where she was spotted in Valletta.
On this occasion at UCL, she donned a lab coat, further emphasizing her hands-on approach to learning about eye care advancements.
But what truly caught the eye was her classic diamond engagement ring, a piece that has sparkled brightly for 25 years.
The ring features a stunning two-carat oval diamond nestled between two heart-shaped diamonds, all elegantly set in white gold.
Crafted by Esprit and Garrard, the firm that once held the title of crown jeweller to the British royal family, this ring is a timeless symbol of love and commitment.
Sophie and Edward announced their engagement back in January 1999 during a lively press conference at St James’s Palace.
Edward humorously warned the gathered media to wear sunglasses, joking that the ring could blind them if it caught the sunlight.
Fast forward to today, and the ring continues to shine brilliantly, embodying a design that remains as sophisticated and relevant as ever.
Interestingly, Sophie’s engagement ring draws parallels to another royal piece: the diamond ring gifted to Queen Elizabeth II by her husband, Prince Philip, in 1947.
This historic ring was crafted from diamonds sourced from a tiara given to Philip’s mother by the last emperor and empress of Russia.
The late queen cherished her ring for nearly 75 years, and this week would have marked her and Philip’s 77th wedding anniversary.
As the Duchess of Edinburgh continues her vital work in eye health advocacy, her presence at UCL serves as a reminder of the importance of vision preservation.
With her elegant style and heartfelt commitment, Sophie inspires many to join the fight against avoidable blindness, ensuring that her legacy shines as brightly as her beloved engagement ring.