KINROSS Wolaroi School student Sophie Aylward was showing the dress that won her the 2013 Wool4Skool competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show when she got to shake hands with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
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Prince William and Catherine toured the show on Friday, escorted by Royal Agricultural Society president Glen Dudley, and visited the Schools District Exhibits Display Competition, officially opened the Southee and Badgery Pavilion, and spent time at the Sheep and Wool Pavilion.
Sophie said there was a huge build-up before the duke and duchess entered the wool pavilion where her dress was on show throughout the show.
“They shut off the pavilion to people pretty early on, around nine o’clock,” Sophie said. “It was really exciting, a really big build-up. There were lots of police around.”
The year 11 student’s electric blue wool evening gown was designed for the Duchess of Cambridge and won the 2013 Wool4Skool Dress A Royal competition. It was made into reality by leading designer Jonathan Ward as part of the prize.
With the duchess in mind, Sophie chose the colour, style and shape of the dress, and said Catherine was impressed by the gown.
“They were both pretty easy to talk to,” she said. “I got to shake their hands and we talked for a couple of minutes.”
Sophie also said she’d had a lot of media attention since meeting the royals.
“I’ve been interviewed by the Today Show, WIN, Ten Eyewitness News, Channel 9 and more,” she said. “My friends are pretty jealous.”
The Sydney Royal Easter Show wrapped up after two weeks of exhibitions, rides and showbags at the Sydney Showground yesterday.
