The Duchess of Edinburgh attends 2027 Grand Départs announcement in Edinburgh

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The Duchess of Edinburgh has attended the announcement, at Edinburgh Castle, that the 2027 Grand Départs of the Tour de France and Tour de France Femme will take place in the United Kingdom.

The Duchess of Edinburgh holding yellow jersey at Tour de France 2027 Grand Departs announcement

As Royal Patron of British Cycling, Her Royal Highness met with representatives of British Cycling and Tour de France as well as guests for a special announcement at Edinburgh Castle. 

The Duchess of Edinburgh and First Minister John Swinney meeting young cyclists at 2027 Tour de France launch event

The Tour de France is the world’s biggest annual sporting event and takes place every year over 23 days in July, with 180 of the world’s best cyclists representing professional teams racing over 3,200km. The Tour de France Femmes staged its first edition in 2022 and takes place in July after the men's tour.

Whilst most of the race will take place in France, it often starts in a foreign country. For the first time both the men’s and women’s Grand Départs will take place in the same country (outside France).

The Duchess of Edinburgh with cyclist Mark Cavendish

Following a reception within Edinburgh Castle, The Duchess, as well as guests, congregated at the drawbridge of the castle where Her Royal Highness was presented with a yellow jersey and the castle was lit in yellow to mark the announcement.