Duchess Sophie Just Helped Make History at Royal Event with Major Connection to Nephews William and Harry

It’s not every day that history is made—or that you get a front-row seat to witness it. But for Duchess Sophie, last Friday, April 11 delivered both. The Duchess of Edinburgh stepped in for King Charles at the Sovereign’s Parade at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and her appearance marked a pretty major milestone.

The Sovereign’s Parade is a prestigious event that celebrates the completion of 44 weeks of intensive training for cadets in the British Army. This term, 239 Officer Cadets from Commissioning Course 242 officially became commissioned officers—including 26 international cadets representing 18 different countries.

Sophie’s visit marks the third time she’s attended the parade, with previous appearances in 2013 and 2019. But this time, she was front and center not just as a royal representative, but at a truly historic moment for the academy.

This parade featured Sandhurst’s first-ever all-female Banner Party—a big deal in the long-standing tradition of British military pageantry. The group included Company Sergeant Major Brunton of the Royal Army Medical Service, who carried the Sovereign’s Banner, along with Staff Sergeant Lewis from the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, and Staff Sergeant Bradley (also RAMS), who was given special permission to carry a bayonet.

To make the moment even more meaningful, Sandhurst has strong ties to the royal family—both Prince William and Prince Harry trained at the academy before beginning their military service.