Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, made a grand appearance on March 20, 2025, at the announcement ceremony for the 2027 Tour de France Grand Depart, held at the historic Edinburgh Castle. The event was a momentous occasion, celebrating the confirmation that both the men’s and women’s races will launch in Great Britain.
The royal family's official Instagram account captured highlights of the evening, showcasing Duchess Sophie mingling with key figures from British Cycling, Tour de France, and Tour de France Femme. Accompanied by a caption that read, "The 2027 Grand Départs of the Tour de France and Tour de France Femme will take place in Great Britain! Last night, The Duchess of Edinburgh attended the announcement at Edinburgh Castle," the post aptly captures the excitement surrounding the event.
Duchess Sophie, known as a coveted figure by King Charles III, led the celebrations that evening, expressing her delight alongside Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney, among others. The announcement represents a historic milestone, as the UK will host both events in the same year, a feat never accomplished before outside of France.
Prior to this upcoming event, Britain has already played host to parts of the Tour de France on four previous occasions—in 1974, 1994, 2007, and 2014. This will be the first instance where both men's and women's races will begin from the same nation, which adds even more significance to the announcement.
The Duchess of Edinburgh, who has held the position of Royal Patron of British Cycling since 2018, attended the event dressed in a stylish ensemble—a cream-colored coat from Max Mara over a pale lemon dress by Beulah London. Her elegant appearance was complemented by a sophisticated updo, with loose strands framing her face, as she beamed with joy during the ceremony, especially as the exciting new was delivered, highlighting her enthusiasm for the event.
As the news spread, fans of cycling and the royal family took to social media to praise Duchess Sophie for her charm and poise during the presentation. The Palace’s delightful sharing of the evening reveals the growing excitement in Britain as the country prepares to welcome an event of this magnitude.
The anticipation for the 2027 Tour de France is palpable, demonstrated by Sophie’s radiant participation, making it clear that this royal announcement has captivated audiences across not just the UK, but also internationally. As the countdown to the big event commences, the heartwarming imagery and enthusiasm generated by the royal family and prominent officials alike will surely fuel the excitement leading up to the race.
It is a remarkable moment for the cycling community and for the UK, marking a pivotal point in its history connected with such a renowned sporting event. With the date set for the Grand Départ in 2027, many are already envisioning the bustling streets filled with cycling fans from near and far, all eager to witness this monumental occasion unfold in Great Britain.
