When you’ve been married for 20 years and you’re part of one of the world’s most famous families, it’s understandable if you want to keep your anniversary plans pretty low-key.
For Prince Edward and his wife Countess Sophie of Wessex, that was exactly the case.
In fact, the royal couple stayed away from the spotlight almost entirely and spent their special day at the races.
On day two of Royal Ascot, the Queen’s youngest son and his wife skipped the carriage procession that the other royals traditionally enter in, instead opting to watch from the royal box.
Dressed in a high-necked white dress with a matching monochrome hat, Countess Sophie was spotted sharing a private joke with her husband, who she married at St George’s Chapel on June 19th 1999.
Their wedding day itself was a lot more low-key than past occasions.
Edward, who was then seventh in line to the throne and his bride declined for it to be a state occasion, so there was no ceremonial state involvement and no politicians were invited, much like his nephew Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s day.
Prince Edward and Countess Sophie opted to stay away from the crowds on their 20th anniversary.
(Image: Getty Images)But their special day did not go unnoticed by the royal family, who shared a sweet tribute to the couple in honour of their special day on the official Instagram account.
“Wishing The Earl and Countess of Wessex a Very Happy 20th Wedding Anniversary! #OTD 20 years ago, The Earl and Countess were married at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor,” the post was captioned.
Two images shared showed the Earl and Countess smiling for the camera on the first day of Royal Ascot, while the second was a collage of snaps from their 1999 wedding day.
The Royal Family Instagram shared a series of photos from Edward and Sophie’s wedding day.
(Image: Instagram @theroyalfamily)Countess Sophie made a similar nod to her wedding day at the state banquet for President Trump on his recent visit to the UK.
Dressed in a purple gown designed by Bruce Oldfield, the Countess of Wessex accessorised her look with the Anthemion Tiara and eagle-eyed royal fans were quick to notice that the sparkling headpiece has been worn by HRH on numerous occasions, including her wedding day back in 1999 when she first became a royal.
The Anthemion Tiara was commissioned especially for Sophie’s big day and is known to be made up of a number of antique pieces from the Queen’s collection.
WATCH: Royals arrive at Buckingham Palace for state banquet with President Trump. Post continues after video…
For day two of Royal Ascot, although Prince William and Duchess Catherine were absent, the Queen was her usual splendid self as she arrived in the carriage with Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla.
And it seems like Her Majesty decided to carry on the blue theme dressed in a powder blue tweed ensemble with a floral hat and striking sapphire and diamond brooch while her daughter-in-law Duchess Camilla matched in a similar pastel blue shade.
The Queen and Duchess Camilla certainly know how to colour coordinate.
(Image: Getty Images)Despite the rain, the Queen smiled warmly as she walked along the grounds of the racecourse holding her umbrella.
And the monarch has good reason to smile too.
According to statistics pulled together from the daily Court Circular, which publicly details all the royals and their official outings, the Queen undertook almost 300 official events in 2018, that’s more engagements than her grandsons Princes William and Harry and their wives Duchesses Catherine and Meghan.
Talk about dedication!
Here’s to Her Majesty!
(Image: Getty Images)
