The Duchess of Edinburgh is known for her hat picks but she surprised everyone by going full festive with her latest style choice.

Sophie opted for a traditional Santa hat as she enjoyed an afternoon at the Disability Initiative Resource Centre in Camberley.

The Duchess, who has been patron of Disability Initiative for over twenty years, met many of the charity’s clients as she spent time at the centre with just days to go until Christmas.

She joined in with mince pie making and singing carols before things got really festive.

As she took part in a painting class, the Duchess donned a Santa hat to get in the Christmas spirit. It clearly worked as she produced a rather fetching portrait of a fully decked tree during her lesson.

Disability Initiative works with adults with disabilities to produce a range of activities that support overall well-being and quality of life.

The Duchess of Edinburgh’s visit was a public smile for the Royal Family after the Duke of York was engulfed in a fresh controversy. Prince Andrew’s business relationship with an alleged Chinese spy was revealed in court documents. The Duke of York says he has cut all contact with the businessman. However, Prince Andrew won’t now attend the Royal Family’s Christmas celebrations at Sandringham.