Sophie's jolly hockey sticks! Duchess of Edinburgh, 61, shows off her sporty side on visit to Bangladesh

The Duchess of Edinburgh showcased her impressive hockey skills during the first day of her three-day trip to Bangladesh today. Sophie, 61, took part in a lively game of the sport as she paid a visit to the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan, based in Savar, which is the government-funded national sports institute and centre of excellence for athlete development. Delivering a masterclass in diplomatic dressing, Sophie opted for a green trumpet-sleeved top from Theory - the colour of Bangladesh's flag. She paired the stylish long-sleeved top with a pale scarf, cream trousers and shoes from Penelope Chilvers. To tie her glamorous look together, the Duchess opted for a pair of green earrings from Mara Moon, a Tilly Sveaas necklace and Asprey London oak leaf bracelet. Sophie, who is visiting the nation to strengthen UK-Bangladesh relations, was all smiles as she passed the ball and made an attempt at the goal before being presented with a club scarf by the young athletes. Earlier in the day, Sophie met with female UN peacekeepers at Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT) to learn about the nation's contribution to peacekeeping operations and their experiences both before and after deployment.As part of her visit, the Duchess planted an olive tree and was presented with a drawing of herself with Queen Elizabeth II from Major General Masihur. The Duchess of Edinburgh showcased her impressive hockey skills during the first day of her three-day trip to Bangladesh today Sophie, 61, took part in a lively game of the sport as she paid a visit to the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan, based in Savar, which is the government-funded national sports institute and centre of excellence for athlete development Delivering a masterclass in diplomatic dressing, Sophie opted for a green trumpet-sleeved top from Theory - the colour of Bangladesh's flagSophie landed into Dhaka on Monday morning for her three-day visit, which is at the request of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. It is hoped that the visit will strengthen relations, promote women's empowerment and showcase support for Rohingya refugees.During her three-day visit, Sophie will meet President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, to learn more about the welfare and protection of women and young girls across the country. The Duchess will also attend an event to mark 75 years of the British Council in Bangladesh, alongside a visit to Rohingya refugee camps to help learn about the humanitarian and protection programmes in place for displaced individuals. Sophie's visit to Bangladesh comes after she joined members of the Royal Family at the National Service of Remembrance in London over the weekend. Several members of the Firm gathered at the Cenotaph in Whitehall to pay tribute to Britain's fallen heroes. The senior royals, as well as a host of politicians past and present, laid wreathes at the Cenotaph before an impeccably observed silence and a stirring rendition of the Last Post.The female members of the Royal Family were dressed in all black as a sign of respect to those who lost their lives fighting for the nation. Sophie, Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales all wore three poppies each as they paid tribute on Saturday. Sophie, who is visiting the nation to strengthen UK-Bangladesh relations, was all smiles as she passed the ball and made an attempt at the goal before being presented with a club scarf by the young athletes Earlier in the day, Sophie met with female UN peacekeepers at Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT) to learn about the nation's contribution to peacekeeping operations and their experiences both before and after deployment During her three-day visit, Sophie will meet President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, to learn more about the welfare and protection of women and young girls across the country As part of her visit, the Duchess planted an olive tree and was presented with a drawing of herself with Queen Elizabeth II from Major General MasihurThe following day, Sophie joined King Charles, Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales for the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.For the sombre event, Sophie selected a metallic blue dress from Alaia and a gold choker from Giulia Barela. In-keeping with the occasion, the Duchess wore a red poppy brooch as a mark of respect. The gown was a royal rewear for Sophie, who previously wore the dress for a visit to the Channel Islands in 2022.Sophie's three-day Bangladesh also comes after her five-day solo tour of Zambia last month, which saw the Duchess tackle serious causes, including sight loss and women's rights, alongside more adventurous moments.During a camping expedition she came face-to-face with a potentially deadly hippopotamus, while on a boat safari she laughed and pointed excitedly after spotting a herd of elephants on the riverbank.It is a combination that has become something of a Sophie trademark, serious about her work, but never afraid to show her personality.The Daily Mail's Royal Editor Rebecca English says the Duchess has struck an unusually effective balance between warmth and diplomatic purpose.'Over the years Sophie has quietly set about cultivating a group of charitable patronages that she feels strongly about and, as a result, her personal passion shines through,' she said. During her three-day visit, Sophie will meet President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, to learn more about the welfare and protection of women and young girls across the country Sophie landed into Dhaka on Monday morning for her three-day visit, which is at the request of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeThese include support for survivors of rape and sexual assault used as a weapon of war, as well as preventable blindness. The latter was inspired by her daughter Lady Louise, who underwent surgery as a child for esotropia – a condition which means that both eyes do not look in the same direction.'The issue of sexual violence is something she has learnt more about during the course of her official travels and has led her to becoming a passionate advocate against it on the world stage.'I've seen her give a seven-minute off-the-cuff speech on the issue, without any notes on the subject. She was seriously impressive.'Her unfussy approach to duty has also been noted by Alisa Anderson-Cole, a former royal aide to the late Queen who worked with Sophie earlier in her career.'While all the drama is going on over the arrival in the UK by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the explosive publication of Earl Spencer's new book, the Duchess of Edinburgh is putting duty before self, representing the UK on a solo visit to Zambia,' she said.Even the non-arrival of her luggage was handled with characteristic good humour.'Typically, steadfast and unwavering in her support of the charities close to her heart, she coped with the non-arrival of her luggage by laughing it off and carrying on with engagements in her travel gear,' said Alisa.'Who could not smile watching her unselfconsciously dance with local women who have been treated for serious eye conditions? 'She is not afraid to show her fun side while promoting incredibly important issues like gender equality, education and nature. 'Once again she has proved what a huge asset she is to the King and the monarchy.'