Duchess Sophie melted hearts today as she had an adorable encounter with a guide dog during a special reception for new MPs held at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday afternoon.
The Duchess of Edinburgh looked chic in a cream Beulah midi dress, which she matched with a pair of nude heels and gold jewellery.
Prince Edward’s wife greeted the special guests who attended today’s event hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla, but it was Jennie, a golden retriever, who captured her attention.
The dog, owned by Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling who is registered blind, has fast become a star in Westminster, amassing almost 20,000 followers on X under the handle @rthonjennie.
As soon as she laid eyes on the dog, Sophie, who has been the patron of Guide Dogs since 2021, made a beeline for her, saying, “Oh my goodness, I’m your patron”, before making a fuss of her.
The royal knelt down on the floor to stroke Jennie and the dog gave her a paw.
Before meeting the King and Duchess of Edinburgh, Mr Darling told reporters Jennie “thinks the Palace of Westminster is her palace, and she’s the Queen of it, and everybody comes there just to love her”.
He said: “So when we get off the train at Paddington, her tail is on such a high wag as we make our way towards the Central line, she knows where she’s going, and she’s really excited.”
Mr Darling said Jennie is a “good bridge builder for people from other parties”, which he said was “really important” as he could have conversations he otherwise would not have had.
Royal fans gushed about Sophie’s sweet encounter with Jennie and took to social media to express their adoration.
One user wrote on X: “The Duchess always notices dogs from a great distance heheh. Always a lovely combination, her and these sweeties.”
A second one said: “Anybody that loves dogs are okay in my book!”
Another one added: “Sophie is so sweet.”
A fourth one commented: “The most loveliest exchange.”
A fifth one opined: “Sophie has a way with animals.”
