Duchess Sophie brings royal star power to Calgary's Spruce Meadows

Saddle up, Canada, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh is heading your way. 

Kensington confirmed the royal will jet to Alberta from September 4–7 as newly minted Royal Patron of the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ show jumping tournament, marking a headline visit during the venue’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

Across four packed days at Spruce Meadows, in Calgary, the Duchess will tour the grounds, meet athletes, staff, volunteers and stakeholders, take in world-class show jumping, and spotlight local causes supported by the Spruce Meadows Leg Up Foundation.

Spruce Meadows President & CEO Linda Southern-Heathcott called the visit “the most wonderful way” to mark the milestone year, adding the team is “delighted and humbled” to welcome Sophie after the venue became one of her official patronages in April.

This isn’t Sophie’s first rodeo at Spruce Meadows: she previously visited in 2006 with her husband, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh. 

The Duchess also brings serious equestrian cred, serving as Royal Vice President of the Royal Windsor Horse Show and President of the Sandringham Horse Driving Trials.

The Alberta swing follows Sophie’s 2023 Canadian engagements in Ontario, St. Catharines and Toronto, and continues a busy royal year for Canada. 

Prince Edward marked the 150th anniversary of the Prince Edward Island Regiment and Canada Day in Ottawa in June, while King Charles and Queen Camilla made a historic trip to Ottawa in May. 

Queen Elizabeth II visited Spruce Meadows in 1990 to inaugurate an event in her name.

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