Duchess of Edinburgh shines in blue polka-dot dress at Osaka Expo with Princess Takamado

The Duchess of Edinburgh joined Imperial Highness Princess Takamado at the Women’s Pavilion during the Osaka Expo on Monday, presenting a polished, fashion-forward look as she met the Japanese royal. Sophie, 60, wore a blue polka-dot Ahana pearl-button-up frock by Beulah London, priced at £625, paired with white wedges and a blue crochet flower bag. Her blonde hair was styled in a practical up-do, and she wore golden star hoop earrings with minimal makeup for the 28-degree weather.

Princess Takamado—the wife of the late Prince Norihito of Takamado—appeared aboard in a salmon-pink trousers-and-top co-ord, complemented by a sheer cream cardigan and diamond jewelry as she posed with the British royal for photographers.

During her time at the expo, Sophie spoke about gender equality on a UN Women panel and listened to other speakers addressing challenges women face globally. She also toured the expo’s interactive displays and signed the visitor book after concluding her remarks at the event. The Duchess also greeted members of the public, including babies and parents, and posed with volunteers at the UK Pavilion—an area showcasing openness, diversity, and a commitment to shaping a better future. Prince Edward, 61, accompanied her and wore a double-breasted grey checkered suit with a green patterned tie.

The couple were then guided around the Japan Pavilion’s water reflecting pool before meeting with Commissioner General Mr. Haneda and Pavilion Director Noriyuki Kuroda.

This appearance at the Osaka Expo comes as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh continued a four-day tour of Japan that included a visit to the Soji-in Temple in Koya-san, Wakayama Prefecture. Soji-in, a 12th-century Buddhist temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is noted for its wooden architecture, tranquil gardens, and symbolic significance. There, Sophie wore a green floral-print mid-length dress paired with a crisp white blazer and white espadrille wedges, while Edward opted for a tan jacket over lighter beige trousers and a pale blue shirt with a red tie. The couple changed their footwear to show respect for the religious site and were presented with gifts by officials.

At Danjo Garan, one of Koyasan’s most significant religious sites, they met children involved in The British Council English Programme delivered in the town, who waved Union Jack flags from a semicircle. The pair were invited to help turn the Rokkaku Kyouzou, a hexagonal sutra repository, a ceremony believed to confer the merit of reciting the Buddhist canon.

Over the last three days of their Japan itinerary, Edward and Sophie also visited the Ukraine Mental Health Exchange Centre in Tokyo. Sophie, who wore a printed silk dress on earlier engagements, participated in a calligraphy workshop at the Shibuya Himawari and Kokorogoto Cafe, a nonprofit organization that supports Ukrainian refugees and evacuees in Japan. The center provides group counseling, individual consultations, and social gatherings for more than 1,500 Ukrainian refugees registered with the facility.

In addition to the temple visit, the couple met with local officials during the trip, including the Mayor of Koya Town Yoshiya and Wakayama Governor Izumi Miyazaki, as well as Head Priest Eimyo Miyata, underscoring Britain's cultural and humanitarian connections with Japan through this four-day tour.