The Duchess of Edinburgh embarked on an official visit to Canada over the weekend, where the focus was primarily on military-related activities during the initial two days of her trip.

Beginning her journey in Ontario on Friday, she is set to conduct various engagements over a span of five days, with a particular emphasis on military and medical sectors. During her visit, she will perform duties on behalf of her Canadian military appointments and patronages, including her role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Lincoln and Welland Regiment.

In the forthcoming week, Sophie will fulfill her patronage commitments by representing the University Health Network, which encompasses Toronto General, Toronto Western hospitals, and the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, as well as the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute.

This weekend, the Duchess joined the Lincoln and Welland Regiment, stationed in Niagara, for the Countess of Wessex Cup—an annual military competition named in her honor. This contest incorporates physical and mental challenges such as navigation, observation, open water rescue, and obstacle courses, designed for the regiments that hold the Duchess as their Colonel-in-Chief. The Lincoln and Welland Regiment, last year's winners, hosted the competition at their home base. This reservist army regiment offers support to the Canadian Army's 4th Canadian Division in Ontario.

Lieutenant-Colonel Philip Dyson, the Regiment's Commanding Officer, expressed his pride in hosting the Duchess Cup. He also welcomed Her Royal Highness's participation, stating, "We're very proud to host the Duchess Cup, and we're very proud that Her Royal Highness has returned to Canada to be a part of it."

The competition featured eight teams, including another Canadian unit, the South Alberta Light Horse.

On Saturday evening, the Duchess of Edinburgh attended a formal dinner in support of the Lincoln & Welland Regimental Foundation at the Queen’s Landing Hotel.

Sunday saw the royal participate in a Remembrance Day service at St. Catharines Cenotaph, accompanied by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Her Honour the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, and the Lincoln and Welland Regiment. In an interview with the St. Catharines Standard, Major Conrad Flatman, Deputy Commanding Officer of the Lincoln and Welland Regiment, described the Duchess's attendance at the Remembrance Day Service as "an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience for our soldiers." He added that it is a time of celebration and camaraderie, with units from the United Kingdom, providing a great opportunity to rekindle friendships from previous visits.

In the following week, Sophie will spend Monday through Wednesday visiting Toronto hospitals, including Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, and Toronto Rehab, on behalf of her patronage, the University Health Network. Her objective is to gain insight into the medical interventions and innovations occurring in these healthcare facilities. Photo by Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Wikimedia commons.