Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, will be jet-setting next month as she is expected to travel to Alberta, in western Canada, on September 4-7, in a new role as Royal Patron of Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ tournament. The show jumping venue announced that the Duchess had become its patron in April.
During her visit to the venue, Sophie will tour the grounds, meet athletes, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders, attend events, and enjoy world-class show jumping as part of Spruce Meadows’ 50th Anniversary celebrations. She’ll also visit local charities supported by the Spruce Meadows Leg Up Foundation.
Sophie’s visit has been warmly welcomed by the team at Spruce Meadows, lead by President and CEO, Linda Southern-Heathcott, who called the announcement “the most wonderful way in which we could have possibly celebrated our 50th Anniversary year.”
Linda Southern-Heathcott said: “My family and I are both delighted and humbled at the prospect of hosting Her Royal Highness at Spruce Meadows. We were so thrilled to be accepted as one of her Royal Patronages earlier this year, and look forward to demonstrating the many ways in which Spruce Meadows endeavours to live up to that honour.
“We hope Her Royal Highness will enjoy her time here, as much as we will most certainly appreciate welcoming her.”
The Duchess of Edinburgh previously visited Spruce Meadows, with her husband Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh, in 2006, in their former roles as The Earl and Countess of Wessex.
Sophie also holds a number of equestrian roles, including Royal Vice President of the Royal Windsor Horse Show and President of the Sandringham Horse Driving Trials.