The couple saw how the youngsters developed essential skills

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have visited an education centre that specialises in helping children learn through interactive play.

Sophie and Prince Edward visited Skills Street in Rotherham, Yorkshire, to learn about the facility’s work.

The duchess donned a new burgundy outfit for the trip, with a dress by Reiss, while wearing the brand’s Belted Knit Pleated Midi Dress.

She wrapped up in a long wool coat to complete the style and accessorised with a new crossbody bag from Sophie Habsburg.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh visited the education centre in Rotherham | PA

The day before, the duchess visited the headquarters of Thames Valley Air Ambulance in Stokenchurch, the very service that helped save her life nearly a quarter of a century ago.

Sophie, who celebrates her 61st birthday next week, has maintained a deep connection with the charity since becoming a patient in 2001 and was appointed its Royal Patron in 2019.

The visit was described as a “morale boost” by the lifesaving organisation, coming after what proved to be their most demanding year on record.

Sophie toured the expanded facilities during the engagement.

Sophie wrapped up in a burgundy fit

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In 2001, the then Countess of Wessex experienced a potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy at her Bagshot Park residence, requiring an emergency airlift to King Edward VII hospital in London for urgent surgery.

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the womb, typically within a fallopian tube and cannot be saved.

Despite this traumatic experience, Sophie went on to welcome two children: Lady Louise Windsor in 2003, and James, Earl of Wessex, in 2007.

A year after her medical emergency, she personally expressed her gratitude to pilot Andy Busby and paramedic Tim Goddard at a charity fundraising dinner.

Sophie saw how children developed through interactive play

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The Thames Valley Air Ambulance wrote on Instagram: “As a former patient and our Royal Patron, The Duchess has always been passionate about our mission and the work our charity does every day.

“We are truly honoured to have been able to welcome her and share how her continued support keeps us at the frontline of saving lives.”

At the Pre-hospital Education Centre, the duchess watched as critical care paramedics and doctors engaged in a training scenario.

Sophie also had the chance to handle essential medical equipment herself and even practised a lifesaving intervention during her time at the facility.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh witnessed how the facility works

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The hands-on experience gave Her Royal Highness direct insight into the rigorous preparation that frontline crews undergo before responding to emergencies.

As both a former patient and the charity’s patron, the duchess has consistently praised the organisation’s mission to give patients across the Thames Valley region the best possible chance of survival and recovery.

The charity’s critical care teams responded to 3,302 emergencies throughout 2025, establishing a new record for the organisation.

Amanda McLean, Chief Executive of Thames Valley Air Ambulance, said: “It was an honour to welcome Her Royal Highness back to Thames Valley Air Ambulance headquarters.”