The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh arrive to cheers in …
Cooking up a storm! The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh don aprons - and are met by a sea of flag-waving schoolchildren - as they spend the day visiting charities in the Midlands
By Ellen Coughlan For Mailonline
Published: 15:37, 2 May 2023 | Updated: 16:55, 2 May 2023
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were welcomed with cheers from local schoolchildren as they visited community groups in Wolverhampton on Tuesday.
Mother-of-two Sophie, 58, looked typically chic in a cream coat which she wore over an emerald green dress, while Prince Edward, 59, looked smart in a black tailored suit paired with a blue tie and white shirt for the outing.
The royals were in the Midlands to visit the Big Venture Community Centre, where they spent time chatting to volunteers.
Enthusiastic ahead of the Coronation this weekend, schoolchildren waved a sea of Union Jack flags in their direction before they met Karen Trainer, the centre's director and Mayor of Wolverhampton Lord-Lieutenant Sir John Crabtree.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were welcomed with cheers from local schoolchildren as they visited community groups in Wolverhampton on Tuesday
The Coronation Big Lunch is all about bringing communities together for friendship food and fun and of course celebrating the Coronation.
The couple later put on black aprons to help out with the cooking in the community kitchen.
The indoor street party had music, games, a performance from creative arts students and lots of delicious food, including cakes made by bakery students.
The centre was awarded The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2021 and Sophie appeared in great spirits as she beamed while helping volunteers Bridget Jones and Susan Griffiths rustle up a chicken dish.
It comes after Sophie visited the Women's Institute in Bagshot for afternoon tea last week at Windlesham Golf Club in Surrey.
The royal, who is a member of the institute, enjoyed afternoon tea with the women to celebrate their centenary year.
Accessorising with a gold buckle belt, she carried her belongings in a chic red handbag. Sophie added a bit more glam with diamond earrings and an elegant necklace.
Sophie played on a VR headset during her visit to the Coronation Big Lunch in Wolverhampton College
Sophie appeared in great spirits as she spoke to staff at City of Wolverhampton College
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Go for vintage vibes like Sophie in a shirt dress by Suzannah
The Duchess of Edinburgh is a huge fan of Suzannah, so we weren't surprised to see her recycling this shirt dress.
Rendered in green silk taffeta, it boasts a 50s-inspired fit and flare silhouette that falls to the shin. Sophie elevated the look with a tan waist belt and matching court shoes. Her dress is a custom version of this pink pick (pictured), which has unfortunately now sold out.
But don't fret; we have rallied up lookalike options by SHEIN, Zoe Vine, HVN and Phase Eight in the carousel.
Prices start from just GBP20.49...
...NOW GET ONE LIKE IT FOR LESS
Sophie seemed to really enjoy the interactive activity during her visit as the royal got stuck into a game
The Coronation Big Lunch is all about bringing communities together for friendship food and fun and of course celebrating the Coronation
The indoor street party had music, games, a performance from creative arts students and lots of delicious food, including cakes made by bakery students
The Duke and Duchess' arrival in Wolverhampton was met with enthusiastic cheers as groups of schoolchildren waving Union Jacks lined the streets to meet them
Ready for prep!
The couple later put on black aprons to help out with the cooking in the community kitchen
The Duchess of Edinburgh donned a black apron over her smart ensemble to help volunteer Hayley Jones with the cooking
The royal looked in her element as she helped volunteer Hazel Rudge create a chicken dish
Chats: Sophie was embroiled in conversation with cooks Bridget Jones and Susan Griffiths
Bagshot Women's Institute was founded in 1923, eight years after the UK's first Women's Institute was formed in Anglesey. It is a group of ladies who meet monthly for companionship and they enjoy outings, such as history walks and meeting for lunches.
In 2013, Sophie joined the group for our 90th birthday celebrations and she visited again today to celebrate their 100th.
Sophie's appearance today comes amidst a busy period for the Duchess.
Earlier this week she had an awkward moment today during a visit to Kent Refugee Action Network.
During her visit Sophie managed to join a discussion with volunteers and attendees about family trees, showing off how the Royal succession line works.
Sophie's blonde locks were styled in loose curls and her subtle makeup enhanced her flawless features
Prince Edward put on a black apron over his tailored suit and got stuck in with the cooking
Mother-of-two Sophie, 58, looked typically chic in a cream coat which she wore over a bright green dress on Tuesday
Her husband Prince Edward looked smart in a black tailored suit which he paired with a blue tie and white shirt for the outing
The royal pair visited the Big Venture Community Centre where they chatted to volunteers and locals
Picking up a few bits for dinner? The royals are seen chatting to local volunteers inside the Big Venture community shop
Using a whiteboard, the monarch drew little faces, one with a crown to indicate King Charles III, then Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and her own husband, who she called Ed.
However, when it came to adding King Charles' children, she stopped after drawing William - leaving Prince Harry conspicuously absent.
However, it should be noted that none of the other royals' children were included either - only William, as the heir to the throne.
Sophie and the rest of the royal family will soon be gearing up for King Charles' coronation next week, and her husband Prince Edward has already gotten a taste of what's to come.
The Duke and Duchess were warmly welcomed on their arrival by a slew of local school children waving union jack flags
Coronation ready!
Sophie chatted with the school children as she arrived at Wolverhampton to a warm welcome
The royal was offered a helping of the coronation's quiche at a special Big Lunch at Westminster Abbey on Tuesday, attended by faith leaders from across the country.
Hosted by the Dean of Westminster, the outdoor event was organised to inspire people to plan their own celebratory events, showing how food can bring together people of all faiths and backgrounds.
Tens of thousands of street parties are expected to be held during the coronation weekend, with people encouraged to come together across the country for the Coronation Big Lunch on Sunday May 7.