The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary last week.
Buckingham Palace released two new images of Edward and Sophie to mark the occasion – the first was released on the evening before their anniversary, whilst the other was released on the day (19th June).
Edward and Sophie, the new Earl and Countess of Wessex on their wedding day in Windsor on 19th June 1999
Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys Jones tied the knot in a more informal royal wedding at the medieval structure of St George’s Chapel in 1999. The couple had decided on Windsor for their big day, to provide more intimacy to the occasion – even if the world was watching! They didn’t want it to be a state occasion, with no politicians were invited, just family and friends.
The couple met at a real tennis event in the early 1990s when Sophie worked in public relations.
The first image released by the Palace was taken by Chris Jelf who captured the photo on 10th June their country royal residence, Bagshot near to Windsor Caslte.
The first photo released to mark The Duke and Duchess’ anniversary. (Buckingham Palace)
In a relaxed portrait, Prince Edward stands behind his wife Sophie and wraps his arms around her, with her hands on his.
The surprise second photograph shows the couple posing close together in the gardens at home. It was take at the same time as the first photograph.
Accompanying the second photograph, Prince Edward and Sophie wrote: ‘We are so grateful for the many kind and lovely messages we have received on our Silver Wedding Anniversary. Wishing everyone who is celebrating their own anniversaries a special day too’.
The second photograph released to mark The Duke and Duchess’ anniversary. (Buckingham Palace)
Bagshot Park, home of The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. The property is part of the Crown Estate.
Edward and Sophie marked their wedding anniversary with a trip to Ascot, where they joined a large gathering of members from their family.
