The Duchess of Edinburgh looked typically stylish as she met withImperial Highness Princess Takamado at theOsaka Expo on Monday.
Sophie, 60, appeared in high spirits as she met with the Japanese royalat the Women’s Pavilion at the event,which aims to bring together people and innovations from around the world to address global issues.
She put her best fashion foot forward in a £625 blue polka dotAhana pearl button-up frock byBeulah London, which she paired with summery white wedges and a rattan blue crochet flower bag for the 28-degree weather.
The Duchess wore her blonde tresses in a practical and chic up-do and sported golden star hoop earrings while opting for minimal makeup during her four-day tour of the country.
Princess Takamado – the wife of the late Prince Norihito of Takamado – beamed as she posed outside the building with the British royal for photographers.
The 72-year-old stepped out in an elegant salmon pink trousers and top co-ord, which she paired with a loose-fitting sheer cream cardigan and dazzling gold diamond jewellery.
During her time at the expo, Sophie spoke about gender equality at a UN Women panel, along with listening to other speakers expand on the issues women face around the world.
She also took a tour around the expo’s interactive displays and signed the visitor book after she finished speaking at the event.
Sophie, 60, appeared in high spirits as she met with the Japanese royal at the Women’s Pavilion at theOsaka Expo (both pictured)
Elsewhere, the mother-of-two was also snapped greeting young babies and parents as she met members of the public at the expo
Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie could not resist posing outside of a red London telephone box, which was identical to those found in the capital city
Elsewhere, themother-of-two was also snapped greeting young babies and parents as she met members of the public at the expo.
She later met up with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, 61, where they met withvolunteers at the UK Pavilion, an area which showcases the UK’s ‘openness, diversity, and commitment to shaping a better future’.
The couple could not resist posing outside of a red London telephone box, which was identical to those found in the capital city.
Prince Edward looked dapper in a double breasted grey chequered suit, which he paired with a green patterned tie and black polished shoes.
The pair were then given a tour around the Japan Pavilion’s water reflecting pool and later spoke withCommissioner General Mr Haneda and Pavilion Director Noriyuki Kuroda.
This comes as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh paid a visit to the serene Soji-in Temple, a traditional Buddhist temple that dates back to the 12th century, as part of their four-day tour of Japan.
Sophie and Edwardmet with the Mayor of Koya Town Yoshiya and Wakayama Governor Izumi Miyazaki, as well as Head Priest Eimyo Miyata, during their visit to the historic temple on Sunday, the third day of their trip.
Sophie dressed modestly for the visit, opting for a green floral print mid-length dress that nearly reached her ankles and a crisp white blazer on top, matched with white espadrille wedge heels.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, meet staff and volunteers at the UK Pavilion (pictured)
During her time at the expo, Sophie spoke about gender equality at a UN Women panel
The Duchess of Edinburgh is pictured stroking a baby’s cheek as she meets with members of the public
The Duchess of Edinburgh looks at an interactive display at the Women’s Pavilion on Monday
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, with Commissioner General Mr Haneda (left) and Pavilion Director Noriyuki Kuroda (right) in the Japan Pavilion
Princess Takamado – the wife of the late Prince Norihito of Takamado – beamed as she posed outside the building with the British royal for photographers
Prince Edward and his wife were then showna water reflecting pool while touring the Japan Pavilion
The Duchess of Edinburgh poses with participants Hanako Jimi (L), Rui Matsukawa (2nd L), Sachiko Nakajima, Naoe Yakiya and June Miyachi ahead of a panel discussion on gender equality
Meanwhile, Edward looked dapper in a tan jacket over lighter beige trousers and brown shoes, with a pale blue shirt and a printed red tie underneath.
The couple were given a tour of the temple – but not before changing their shoes out of respect for the religious building – and presented with gifts from officials.
The temple, in the mountains of Koyasan in Japan’s Wakayama Prefecture, is a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site and is known for its wooden structures, intricate designs, and tranquil gardens.
After the temple tour, the Duke and Duchess visited Danjo Garan, one of the two most significant religious sites within Koyasan.
While there, they met with children involved in The British Council English Programme delivered in Koyasan at the Chumon (Middle Gate), who welcomed them while standing in a semi-circle and waving Union Jack flags.
Edward and Sophie were then invited tohelp turn the Rokkaku Kyouzou, a hexagonal sutra repository, as turning the structure once is believed to bring the same spiritual merit as reciting the entire Buddhist canon.
Over the last three days, Edward and Sophie have carried out a number of engagements, including visiting the Ukraine Mental Health Exchange Centre in Tokyo.
Sophie, who was photographed donning a printed silk dress, took part in a calligraphy workshop during her trip to the mental health centre in the Shibuya Himawari and Kokorogoto Cafe.
The facility, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting Ukrainian refugees and evacuees in Japan, currently has more than 1,500 Ukrainian refugees registered.
Among the events held by the centre are group counselling, individual consultations, and social gatherings.
While there, the royal was seen engaging with others, as well as concentrating on creating artwork and enjoying tea.
