The Duchess of Edinburgh showcased her enthusiasm and athletic spirit as she joined the national women’s hockey team on the field at Bisham Abbey today. Sophie, aged 60, exchanged her usual heeled boots for a pair of Adidas sneakers to participate in the event, which took place at the sports centre in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. Her visit was part of her role as the patron of the national governing body for hockey.

On Monday, Sophie, a mother of two, eagerly joined Great Britain’s hockey team for a training session, clearly thrilled to return to the game she once passionately played. During her school years at Kent College for Girls, Sophie was known for her vigorous approach to the sport. Biographer Sean Smith even described her as having a ‘reputation for being an animal with a hockey stick.’

As she took to the field, Sophie engaged in lively conversations with team members, including forward Holly Hunt. Her genuine interest and excitement were evident as she prepared to take her place on the outdoor pitch.

Captured in photographs, Sophie was seen taking shots on goal against goalkeeper Miriam Pritchard, all the while sharing a few laughs over some missed attempts. Her good-natured demeanor and willingness to embrace the sport again highlighted her enduring connection to hockey.

She was seen chatting animatedly with members of the team, including forward Holly Hunt, before taking her place on the outdoor pitch. 

Photos showed Sophie taking shots against goalkeeper Miriam Pritchard while good-naturedly laughing at some of her misses.   

At one point, she appeared to channel another hockey-playing royal as Sophie recreated some of the Princess of Wales’s best moves.

Kate, who has been pictured playing the game on several occasions, looked like she was in her element when she joined the Olympic team ahead of the 2012 London games. 

The Duchess of Edinburgh was a good sport as she joined the national women’s hockey team on the pitch at Bisham Abbey today

At one point, she appeared to channel another hockey-playing royal as Sophie recreated some of the Princess of Wales’s best moves

For today’s visit to Bisham Abbey, Sophie picked a sensible black jumper which she paired with matching, slim-fit trousers and a blazer. 

While she arrived wearing black boots, Sophie quickly traded them in for a pair of adidas’ Ultraboost shoes as she stepped onto the pitch. 

She was later seen chatting with members of the team during an indoor gym session, before Sophie posed for group photos with the GB Men’s Senior Team. 

Commenting on today’s sporty engagement, England Hockey president Alex Danson-Bennett said it was an ‘absolute pleasure’ to host Sophie. 

It was fantastic for her to spend time with both our men’s and women’s squads and to take part in a hockey session with them,’ Mr Danson-Bennett told Hello!. 

‘We appreciate her ongoing support and look forward to hosting her again in the future.’ 

The last time Sophie – then Countess of Wessex – visited Bisham Abbey was in 2016. 

She has previously expressed her love for the sport, as Sophie said she appreciates the game has a ‘great social side’. 

Photos showed Sophie taking shots against goalkeeper Miriam Pritchard while good-naturedly laughing at some of her misses

For today’s visit to Bisham Abbey, Sophie picked a sensible black jumper which she paired with matching, slim-fit trousers and a blazer

During today’s visit, Sophie also posed for group photos with the GB Men’s Senior Team

 ‘I always really enjoyed playing hockey, it’s so much more than just a team sport,’ Sophie told the magazine. 

‘Hockey has a great social side and is a thoroughly enjoyable game to both play and watch.’

Writing in his book, Sophie: Saving The Royal Family, Mr Smith revealed Sophie’s sporting accomplishments during her time in high school. 

Sophie, who attended the Kent College for Girls, ‘was a talented all-rounder’ and joined the athletics, swimming, netball, and hockey teams. 

‘She could run like the win, but it was on the hockey pitch that she excelled, despite now not being the tallest of teenagers,’ Mr Smith wrote. 

‘She had a reputation for being an animal with a hockey stick and she struck fear into her opponents.’ 

It comes after Sophie undertook her first official engagement of 2026 on January 10. 

The Duchess visited The Lighthouse in Woking, Surrey, ahead of the charity’s planned relocation. 

Sophie, who has been a patron of the community hub since 2022, spent time with volunteers in the charity’s temporary home before it reopens at Albion House. 

A spokesperson for The Lighthouse said: ‘We were delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness and share the progress being made.’ 

‘The conversation explored how the redevelopment will strengthen the charity’s ability to support vulnerable people in the community, while embedding social value at the heart of Woking’s town centre regeneration.

‘This collaboration represents a significant step forward for The Lighthouse and for the people we support, ensuring our services can continue and grow as part of Woking’s redevelopment.’