So many of this year's autumn/winter fashion trends are incredibly wearable (I'm looking at you, minimalism) and Duchess Sophie just showcased two of them to perfection when she met with President Hakainde Hichilema and First Lady Mutinta of Zambia. She's undertaking a six-day visit and she pulled out the fashion stops for this special meeting and wore a silk-blend V-neck midi dress from Veronica Beard.

The scarf print design blended dark navy, olive green and burnt orange with a mix of geometric and floral motifs. It was a moody alternative to Sophie's beloved floral frocks and it ties in with both the 'gothic romance' and 'new boho trends' for 2026.

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The handkerchief hem emphasised the flowy shape and bold patterns we love to see with boho-style dresses and although it wasn't maxi-length, the asymmetric skirt wasn't far off in places. The dark colour palette and silhouette of the Duchess of Edinburgh's dress also ticks off the gothic romance trend in a subtler way.

You could easily take this a step further and go for a primarily black patterned frock instead, perhaps one with pops of burgundy in the design.

Navy is a softer alternative and I particularly love the way this colour looks with tan and brown which is still an autumn/winter fashion colour trend for this year. Sophie didn't need to dress full-on autumn in Zambia as it was so warm and finished off her ensemble with beige heels, a matching clutch and a sprinkling of gold jewellery.

This was beautiful too, but it's easy to imagine how she'd re-wear her frock back home. Printed midi dresses are so useful to have in your collection for occasions where you want to feel elegant and put-together, but don't want to fuss over combinations.

They do all the talking for you and you can keep everything else timeless and neutral. Duchess Sophie and her fellow royals most-worn footwear for the colder months is undoubtedly knee-high boots and they complement midi and maxi hemlines particularly well.

The lengths complement each other and create a flattering frame-elongating effect. Taller boots are also covering most of your legs in material so they tend to be very warm too whilst still looking chic.

The Duchess of Edinburgh has several pairs that she wears on repeat and her tan suede Gianvito Rossi ones would work particularly well with this silk dress for some soft colour contrast.

If you prefer leather then the smooth texture is equally fabulous against a flowy dress and ties in with the 'gothic romance' trend even more. A leather jacket would also be great, though Sophie didn't need another layer in Zambia and kept things smart and sophisticated.

She presented gifts to President Hakainde Hichilema and First Lady Mutinta Hichilema, including a scarf with Scottish cashmere on one side and chitenge fabric on the other. It was made by textile students who are supported by The King's Foundation and she also gave the couple jars of honey made by the bees at royal residences.

The Duchess of Edinburgh has taken a break from cold weather outfits for her solo royal visit to Zambia but the zesty green tone of her dress on Day 1is perfect for autumn at home too. The ARoss Girl x Soler design has been in her collection for a little while and it makes a lovely change from autumn/winter fashion colour trends like brown, berry and tomato red.

As much as I love these neutrals for their versatility, sometimes it's nice to switch things up and nothing brightens up a grey day quite like a pop of colour. The idea of styling vibrant shades can be daunting, but Duchess Sophie took a few simple steps to make it easier as she attended the Orbis Eye Health Reception in Lusak.

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Staples To Wear With Green

The dress had a graceful V-neckline and short puffed sleeves with subtle gathering to accentuate the feminine shape. The skirt flared out from the bodice and the contrasting purple belt accentuated the waist and added more structure to the flowing silhouette.

The Duchess's dress wasn't the exact shade of green on the Zambian flag, though it could've been a nod to it, and it was a brighter take on olive. The colour had a warm yellow-based undertone that works beautifully with other warm colours like brown, camel or even burnt orange - all of which are very classically autumnal.

As much as I love muted khaki or olive, Sophie's dress felt slightly more fun as an alternative and she made this zesty hue more wearable by keeping the rest of her outfit for the reception very minimal. It sounds simple but this is a trick the royals use so often.

They let the brighter tone stand out and don't overcomplicate things, usually going for black, camel or brown for the rest of their clothing and accessories. Sophie re-wore her Penelope Chilvers espadrille wedges in "putty" which is a very subtle beige.

Her jewellery was all yellow gold and she didn't carry a handbag or add a jacket with this frock. If she had needed an extra layer, I'd imagine she'd pick a beige blazer to tie in with her shoes. Another way the Duchess of Edinburgh made the dress colour more wearable was by going for a totally timeless silhouette.

When you're styling citrus green it's just easier if you're not also trying to balance a statement design too. I'm tempted to incorporate it into my own autumn outfit ideas but would probably pick a jumper or shirt instead. Tops are a smaller part of an overall outfit so they're less likely to dominate it, even if they're bright.

A cosy green jumper would look stunning with jeans and brown boots or trainers as an everyday outfit and is a different way to bring an autumnal feel. The Duchess of Edinburgh wanted to look more elevated and elegant for the reception and so went for her tried-and-tested midi and wedges pairing instead.

During the event she delivered a speech and met with delegates in her capacity as Patron of the charity Orbis UK and Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). The reception was co-hosted by IAPB and Orbis and highlighted important work being done globally to combat avoidable sight loss.

I love this time of year but coming up with autumn outfit ideas can be tricky as we have to dress for all weathers and all temperatures. It's not quite coat season and yet a cold breeze can mean we need more than a jacket. The Duchess of Edinburgh has found a practical solution to this problem without compromising her elegant style.

On 8th September she carried out several engagements in the Cumbria countryside and wore not one, but two jackets. It's easier to spot in some pictures, but between her white shirt and ME+EM woven jacket Sophie had a navy blue mid-layer on.

This isn't the only time she's doubled up on outerwear and a lightweight jacket is a useful item in an autumn capsule wardrobe for providing warmth whilst being discreet.

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If the Duchess had wanted an even more seamless finish she could've chosen a neutral jacket to blend in with the tweed The Heritage one over the top. Collarless padded or down jackets are even simpler to style underneath other pieces as you don't have to worry about the neckline showing.

Sophie didn't seem to overly mind as she visited Whin's Farm to open the Addington Fund's New Entrant Scheme and went to The Butchers Arms Pub, to celebrate the impact of the Supporting Rural Communities Programme.

I personally like the idea of having a more functional jacket mostly concealed, so you get the benefits of the added warmth but the outfit aesthetic remains pretty much the same. If you want something even more streamlined then I'd recommend going for a gilet instead of a full jacket.

You still get extra insulation without the bulkiness of several different long sleeves all lining up. The Duchess of Edinburgh's double jacket style trick is easy to adjust to your personal preferences and she tends to use it with trousers rather than skirts or dresses.

Back in May on one of the chilliest days of the Royal Windsor Horse Show we saw Sophie wearing the same ME+EM country jacket with her olive PAIGE corduroy trousers. She was carrying a dark grey padded jacket and a tan waterproof coat and later on in the day the Duchess put both of these on, giving her more warmth as well as rain protection.

As her sister-in-law Princess Anne famously says, there's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing - and Sophie wasn't about to risk getting cold in Windsor or now in Cumbria.

The Princess Royal would probably have gone for a full-on puffer jacket for the recent visit but I like how the Duchess's outfit still looked polished whilst being functional.

She ensured that the length of her navy jacket was almost the same as her tweed one so that everything looked as minimal as possible. Slightly cropped styles might be the most versatile as they won't show as easily under different length pieces, from blazers to leather or denim jackets.

Packable designs are also incredibly handy as it means you can easily fold them up and store them in your bag if the sun decides to make an unexpected appearance!

Jeans have a place in my wardrobe all year round but when the temperatures drop I often find myself wanting something a little bit cosier and more autumnal. Corduroy trousers tick these boxes perfectly and the Duchess of Edinburgh has decided the time has come to ditch denim for this seasonal fabric.

She brought back her PAIGE Anessa trousers for a visit to Cumbria on 8th September and the sumptuous dark olive tone screams autumn to me. Duchess Sophie debuted them at this year's Royal Windsor Horse Show in May, but corduroy always surges in popularity at this time of year.

The textured finish is such an easy way to add dimension and softness to a layered outfit and cord is often made from cotton or a cotton blend which is breathable.

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The Duchess' trousers were high-waisted and wide-leg which is one of my favourite comfy silhouettes as it's very elongating on the frame and not restrictive. Straight-leg and flared cords are also everywhere right now and the variety of shapes and colours rivals even that of jeans.

Like your go-to denim, cord trousers can be the base of so many autumn outfit ideas. Choosing a neutral colour like Sophie did means they're easy to style with other shades and warm hues like olive, brown and tan complement the texture beautifully.

Her Paige trousers were a very dark green with brown undertones and she pretty much kept the rest of her outfit to this colour palette. She tucked in a crisp white shirt and then wore her mottled tweed ME+EM The Heritage jacket, with a discreet navy quilted jacket as an extra layer.

The Duchess of Edinburgh had a busy schedule in Cumbria, visiting Home Grown Here in Crosby to highlight community-led food systems and sustainable vegetable production. She also opened the first farm in the Addington Fund's New Entrant Scheme and celebrated the impact of the Supporting Rural Communities Programme as she met pupils from Crosby Ravensworth School.

All these engagements called for sturdy, practical footwear and Sophie chose the Philadelphia Lady GTX women's walking shoes from Meindl in tan. The hue worked well with her trousers and jacket, tying the whole ensemble together.

However, I personally love wearing my own corduroy trousers with heeled ankle boots or white trainers depending on how smart I want to look. Suede footwear mirrors the softness of the cord and is a classic pairing though leather gives an edgier feel.

There are so many different combinations and the best bit about cords is that you can pretty much recreate any outfits you'd normally wear with jeans and swap them in. Whilst denim can look a bit too casual depending on the colour and wash, corduroy is more elevated and can be dressed up or down with ease.

I can imagine Duchess Sophie getting a lot of use out of her Anessas over autumn/winter, styled in warmer ways. For her day in Cumbria she didn't need a full coat and looked excited and focused on shining a light on so many causes close to her heart.

Jeans are an all-year round wardrobe staple for so many of us and yet when I start to think about autumn outfit ideas, there's something else that I reach for a lot too. Faux leather trousers are one of my go-tos when the temperatures start to drop and I'm not alone, as Duchess Sophie owns a lovely wide-leg pair herself.

The Duchess of Edinburgh wore hers to the Cornbury House Horse Trials in September 2024 and she styled them in a way that would work for late summer too. Instead of a chunky knit, she paired her leather trousers with a pastel pink cardigan worn as a top.

Her tweed blazer brought a countryside edge to the ensemble and her beige chunky ankle boots were a practical touch.

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Every other part of Sophie's outfit was quite light and bright, which is a clever tip if you want to enjoy leather trousers or skirts in late summer into early autumn. Then when winter arrives you can swap to deep jewel tones like burgundy and forest green.

No matter what autumn/winter fashion colour trends you love most, black leather and faux leather trousers will complement almost anything. This is also true for denim, though jeans can feel a bit too casual for certain occasions.

It's one of the reasons why we don't see the working royals regularly wearing jeans out in public, as they like to dress more smartly when they're making appearances.

The smooth finish and tailored silhouettes of leather trousers instantly make them look more elegant and elevated than denim and yet they're just as comfy. Many styles - including the £30 M&S straight-leg design I own the 2025 version of - have a cosy lining which also keeps you warm.

I love straight-leg and wide-leg shapes in general because they have a beautiful drape to them and aren't at all restrictive on the legs. You can even get away with wearing tall boots underneath them as another layer in the winter.

Duchess Sophie's trousers were wide and high-waisted, allowing her to smoothly tuck in her cardigan and fitted tops look particularly stunning with looser trousers. The contrast balances out your frame and if you want an extra elongating effect you could also layer over a longline jacket or coat.

The King's sister-in-law chose a checked zip-up jacket which fell to just below the waist and the muted khaki tone complemented her pale beige boots. Cleated boots give you plenty of grip and as Sophie's were heeled and she was walking on grass, this would've been very useful.

Opting for a lighter colour was an interesting move and it worked because of the other shades in this ensemble. For a more minimal look, go for black ankle boots instead and they will almost blend in with the leather or faux leather trousers.

Duchess Sophie likes going for brown footwear with leather, as she did both times she's worn her Loewe midi dress. Perhaps she loves the contrast, but whatever the reason, she's inspired me to bring my own faux leather trousers out of storage.

There are so many fun autumn/winter fashion trends emerging already but if you love staples that are more classic then look no further than Duchess Sophie for transitional style inspiration. She visited Capability Scotland's Riccarton Hub on 14th August to mark their 80th anniversary, wearing a gorgeous corduroy skirt that's given me plenty of autumn outfit ideas.

The Duchess of Edinburgh kept things a little more summery in Edinburgh and paired her Soler skirt with a blue silk blouse and neutral wedges, both from Penelope Chilvers. She'd previously worn the same skirt with knee-high cowboy boots, showing how versatile corduroy can be.

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The ribbed finish of the material adds a sense of cosiness to an outfit, but cord isn't too heavyweight to wear when it's mild. The softness of Sophie's skirt contrasted against her smooth, silk top and brought some textural interest.

As we move more into autumn/winter mixing up textures it's a key tip to ensure your outfits have definition and feel a bit more polished. Duchess Sophie's skirt was a light tan colour which emphasised the corduroy detailing and is very versatile.

Warm neutrals like tan, olive and brown are so autumnal and I think they're easier to incorporate into a range of looks than black skirts because they don't look as stark against light colours.

The Duchess's skirt was clearly comfortable for a busy day but it felt more elevated than a denim one would've been too. Denim skirts are a great alternative to jeans, however they can still be a bit too casual for certain occasions thanks to the mottled colour washes.

In contrast, corduroy styles are more minimal and can be dressed up or down easily. Duchess Sophie's choice of an A-line, midi design is about as timeless as it gets and would work with a variety of different top and shoe options.

In autumn I'd go for a jumper and sleek knee-high boots with an item like this to create an elegant, elongated silhouette. Her ensemble was perfect for a late summer and struck a good smart-casual balance for her time celebrating 80 years of Capability Scotland, which delivers support, care and education for disabled children and adults across the country.

The Duchess of Edinburgh spent the afternoon with people supported by the organisation, as well as staff, volunteers and guests.

She heard all about the experiences and achievements from across Capability Scotland, cut an anniversary cake and officially opened a new YouthZone Play Park. This was a solo engagement for the King's sister-in-law, though she's expected to reunite privately with a lot of the wider Royal Family during their annual summer break this month.

I wouldn't be surprised if staples like this cord skirt, blue blouse and wedges get re-worn a lot during her holiday. The Duchess often sticks to tried and tested pairings and if it gets cooler at Balmoral, she could even style the skirt with the same Penelope Chilvers western boots she wore to the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May.

The Duchess of Edinburgh was incredibly close to her late mother-in-law Queen Elizabeth, so it might come as a surprise to learn that she was once told to leave the table at a dinner in Scotland. However, the reason for Her Majesty's suggestion makes all the difference, as it turns out Sophie was actually desperate to leave.

Telling the hilarious anecdote on BBC 5 Live Sport, the Duchess revealed she was at Balmoral with the Queen and Prince Philip when Team GB played in the 2016 Women's Hockey Olympic final. An avid fan, she'd been sending messages to them "all the way through" the matches but the evening of the final the time difference put her in a tricky position.

"That evening, of course, it was a completely different time zone and so I started off watching the match and then I had to go into dinner," she said, adding that she was "twitching by the end".

Throughout the meal, Sophie was kept updated on the score by someone helping at the table. When they had finished eating, she sat there wondering what was happening and was so obviously eager to find out that Queen Elizabeth stepped in.

"Eventually Her Majesty sat there and said, 'Oh, for goodness sake, just go!'," Sophie shared. "So I ran through to the library and I was watching it and my father-in-law, the late Duke of Edinburgh, came through and he loved good sport and he sat down and was watching it with me."

Laughing, the senior royal admitted that Philip had probably been "watching [her] reaction more than he was watching the television" because she was "living and breathing every moment".

We're used to hearing stories about the Princess of Wales being super competitive, but Duchess Sophie was being so enthusiastic that the Queen came next door too.

After seeing her daughter-in-law "leaping up and screaming", Her Majesty stood in the doorway but could only watch for a short time before "she had to take herself away again". Apparently, the pressure of watching Team GB in the penalty shoot out was too much for the Queen.

Meanwhile, Prince Philip was "laughing" at Sophie's response and the team eventually won Olympic gold in brilliant style. The Duchess of Edinburgh recalled her experience watching it on the BBC 5 Live Sport programme that airs on BBC Sounds on 19th August - exactly ten years after the victory in Rio.

Queen Elizabeth's telling Sophie to "just go" and watch after spotting her eagerness was a kind move and it's funny to think that she couldn't bear to watch herself. When her granddaughter Zara Tindall was competing at the London 2012 Olympics, the Queen reportedly suggested going for a picnic at Balmoral because she was "so nervous" on this occasion too.

Former royal protection officer Richard Griffin told Sky News in 2022 that he radioed in and found out Zara had won a team silver medal, before telling her delighted granny.

"I remember the Queen just grabbed me and we were dancing around in circles on this hill in Scotland,' Griffin claimed. "That's a memory that will stay with me for evermore."

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh's 18-year-old son James generally stays out of the spotlight, but Buckingham Palace have now shared a rather significant life update for him. The Earl of Wessex has "achieved the grades he needed" at A-Level and will be starting at the Royal Agricultural University in the autumn "without taking a year out".

In contrast to his sister Lady Louise, who recently graduated from St Andrews with an English Literature degree, James will be studying Rural Land & Property Management. He's already been throwing himself into rural work ahead of this big move too.

According to The Sun, the teenager has been helping out at Sandringham and an estate worker was rather surprised to see him, claiming, "Everyone is so used to only seeing James smartly turned out with his family at functions at Christmas and Easter so I had to do a double take."

"He might be the King's nephew but he is more than happy to get his hands dirty and muck in," they went on. "Driving tractors around Sandringham is not an easy task and it can mean long hours. But it doesn't matter how rich you are, learning a good work ethic at a young age can always help."

The King's Sandringham estate in Norfolk is around 20,000 acres and James Wessex is clearly eager to get some on-the-job experience of land management before starting his course.

His parents Sophie and Edward will be proud of him and they've been clear with James and Louise that they shouldn't expect to have royal careers. In an interview with The Times in 2020 the Duchess explained, "We try to educate them with the understanding that they will most likely have to work for a living. That is why we made the decision not to use HRH titles."

For years we've heard reports that King Charles and Prince William are both keen on a slimmed-down monarchy so adding two new working royals to the payroll probably isn't going to happen. Like his sister, James seems to be forging his own separate path and his degree will open up multiple career opportunities for him.

James Wessex will probably still make certain royal appearances going forwards, though they will be limited and likely just family occasions. The Earl of Wessex is 17th in the royal line of succession and was last seen with Prince Edward at the Easter Sunday service at Windsor.

He's the youngest of that royal generation by a long way, with the eldest cousin, Peter Phillips, being 30 years his senior. The age difference makes James's involvement in their vigil for Queen Elizabeth in 2022 all the more moving. Last year the Duchess of Edinburgh said part of her was initially unsure about it because he was 14 then, "but he was really keen to do it."

"I was slightly holding my breath, wanting them to feel that they'd done it well more than anything else. I wasn't worried about anything happening; it was more that I wanted them to feel that they'd done their bit for their grandmother. It was incredibly moving, and lovely to see her surrounded by them," she said.

The King's youngest brother, Prince Edward, reportedly once expressed his wish to have two wives "in a perfect world". Opening up in her memoir, The Showgirl and the Prince, which reflects on the pair’s relationship between 1988 and 1993, his ex-partner Ruthie Henshall described his confession and detailed the reason for it.

According to the West End star, Edward said he’d have two wives - "one for the job, and one for the woman you loved". Ruthie added that this was "because you wouldn’t want the woman you love [to go] through the job", alluding to the harsh reality behind the idea of a fairytale-esque royal romance.

The Duke of Edinburgh is a working royal and putting duties first is something this job often demands.

Speaking to HELLO’s A Right Royal Podcast, Ruthie stated she knew that she couldn’t be Prince Edward’s wife and continue to be a West End star. Explaining she "was born to sing, dance and act", she went on, "if I'd have given it up, I would have been miserable. It's not my kind of life."

Prince Edward began dating his now-wife, Sophie, not long after he and Ruthie split up in 1993. At the time Sophie worked in PR and their romance perhaps proves Ruthie’s point, as the Duchess of Edinburgh stepped down from her PR firm in 2001.

She and Edward then both permanently gave up their private business roles to become full-time working royals in 2002.

Edward isn’t the only royal to have a keen awareness of the demands that marrying into his family brings. His nephew Prince William revealed that he waited to propose to Kate so that she still had a chance to "back out" of royal life before it "got too much".

During the Prince and Princess of Wales’s engagement interview in 2010, William shared, "Her and her family, I really want to make sure that they have the best guidance and chance to see what life has been like - or what life is like - in the family.

"That’s kind of almost why I’ve been waiting this long is that I wanted to give her a chance to see and to back out if she needed to before it all got too much… I just wanted to give her the best chance to settle in and see what happens the other side."

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made similar statements in their own engagement interview with the BBC in 2017. The Duke of Sussex revealed, "I tried to warn [her] as much as possible. But I think both of us were totally surprised by the reaction after the first five or six months that we had to ourselves, of what actually happened from then."

Meghan added, "There's a misconception that because I've worked in the entertainment industry that this would be something I'm familiar with… But I've never been part of tabloid culture, I've never been in pop culture to that degree, and lived a relatively quiet life.

"So that was a really stark difference out of the gate. And I think we were just hit so hard at the beginning with a lot of mistruths that I made the choice to not read anything - positive or negative, it just didn't make sense."

When you think of the royals' outfits, comfort doesn't necessarily spring to mind first but Duchess Sophie's off-duty style pairings tend to tick this box more than you think. Although she loves a good pair of stilettos, espadrilles are her go-tos for summer and at the Commonwealth Games she went for flats and cropped trousers.

The Duchess of Edinburgh has owned her TOMS Valenciana flatform espadrilles for several years now and the white ones are her most-worn. They're so neutral they just go with everything and coordinated with her trousers in Glasgow too.

This style has the classic rope detailing and gives some extra elevation without being a full-on wedge or heel. The uppers are made from canvas and espadrille flats are a great alternative to comfortable sandals as they're a little smarter but still relaxed.

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Sophie styled hers with maxi skirts, trousers and dresses before and this time she chose white trousers and a navy jacket that was part of the official Commonwealth Games kit. The trousers fell to her ankles and framed her shoes beautifully.

Slightly cropped styles are a more wearable take on the 2026 capri trend and are another option that's perfect for a summer capsule wardrobe. White jeans can be too much to wear in the heat so it's useful to have a pair of breezy trousers.

Linen and cotton options are the most breathable and popular, though if you want them to be more smart-casual, I'd recommend designs with a bit more structure like pleating or belt loops. The Duchess's trousers were straight and this is a good all-rounder shape that works with flowy or fitted tops and isn't restrictive on the leg.

We didn't get a glimpse at the top Sophie was wearing under her navy jacket but she could've picked any number of colours. The white trousers and espadrilles would complement so many other shades and act as a versatile outfit base.

In the past we've seen the Duchess of Edinburgh pair white trousers with vibrant blouses, however she also loves keeping things pared-back. When she and Prince Edward visited Nepal in 2025 she styled her TOMS flatforms with a subtle pink and white floral maxi skirt, plain white T-shirt and a cropped blazer.

This was a more formal way to wear these shoes and you could also make a date night look out of white trousers and flats by going for a dressier top and a sleek shoulder bag. Duchess Sophie's outing at the Commonwealth Games was official yet low-key, as she met Team England at The Social Hub in Glasgow.

She and Prince Edward attended the Games several times to support the athletes and later on that same day the couple reunited with the Wales family to watch the cycling. By then she'd changed into a denim skirt and blouse, though her other ensemble would've been my first choice due to the comfort level.

We can already see autumn tones beginning to creep into the new-in sections of our favourite brands and one colour that's easy to start styling now is purple. Deep aubergine and royal purple shades are set to be huge next season and one of the Duchess of Edinburgh's favourite summer dresses falls somewhere between the two.

Sophie was first seen wearing it at a joint engagement with Prince William in 2023 and it's by British clothing brand, Erdem. The Roisin dress is midi-length and the ruffles on the shoulders provide a hint of coverage rather than it being totally sleeveless.

It has a pleated skirt and the intricate floral print is a pale pink that stands out against the bold purple. Although this colour could be considered more autumnal, Duchess Sophie's dress had a silhouette that's perfect for wearing in the heat.

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Mixing deeper colours with lightweight fabrics and breezy shapes is a subtle way to mix up your outfits as we edge towards the new season.

"Plum and red-mahogany hues are set to be some of autumn/winter's biggest fashion colour trends for 2026," says woman&home's Digital Fashion Editor Rivkie Baum. "This dark neutral adds a gothic romance that works beautifully against elegant tones of coffee, cream, tan and grey, as well as grounding vibrant pops of pink and olive."

She explains that it's "flattering for all skin tones" and advises, "If you're nervous about injecting it into your wardrobe, a leather handbag in a reddish-brown offers as much longevity as black but is less severe, adding personality and trend-worthiness."

For the private screening of Rhino Man with Prince William, Sophie went for light beige heels and carried a purple wrap and clutch bag to tie in with the dress.

A year later she re-wore her frock to the Paris Olympics and went for white wedges instead. If you're not a fan of wedges or stiletto heels, a pair of comfortable sandals would work just as well with a frock like this and then when the weather gets colder you can switch to ankle boots or knee-highs instead.

A dress is always going to be more of a statement way to wear a colour trend because it's the main outfit element. You can make things more low-key by starting to style purple in late summer with flowy trousers, skirts or tops instead.

Long yet floaty sleeves can make a design particularly versatile, as you can layer over or underneath them more easily when the weather gets colder too. Plum-toned accessories are also lovely with timeless, neutral outfits and can be worn throughout autumn/winter.

The Duchess of Edinburgh loves going all-out with bold shades so it's no wonder she carried a coordinating wrap and bag in 2023. The clutch was slightly darker and mixing different deep purples can add instant dimension and cohesion to a look.

Both times we've seen Sophie step out in this dress have been in the height of summer, so she's really showcased how fabulous plum and berry shades can be this time of year. They're something a little different to pastels or brights like tomato red, and within this autumn trend there's a lot of variation so you can find a purple that suits you and your style.

Each season there are certain pieces we reach for more than others but there are some that work just as well for autumn as they do in a summer capsule wardrobe. Jeans are what many people think of first and yet a denim skirt like Duchess Sophie's midi design is just as versatile.

She debuted it at the Groundswell Regenerative Agriculture Festival in early July, paired with knee-high boots and just re-styled it with a floaty blouse and wedges for the Commonwealth Games a month later. As a big fan of British clothing brands, it's no surprise that this is by one of her favourites - Penelope Chilvers.

The Lancaster skirt is a deep indigo and has pleats and a slightly dropped waist which gives it extra volume. If you prefer streamlined silhouettes, then A-line options are also popular and no matter the shape, denim skirts are an elegant alternative to jeans.

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They also often have a uniform colour wash which can make them feel smarter. Duchess Sophie went for an elevated casual outfit for the games in Glasgow and tucked in a patterned Soler blouse. The white base shade made the vibrant print pop and this added a summery edge to her look.

Tucking in a top is a simple way to accentuate the waist and the beauty of denim is that it goes with any other colour so you don't have to worry about clashing. The Duchess of Edinburgh's blouse was crafted from breathable silk and featured pops of mustard yellow, blue, green and pale pink.

Keeping the rest of your outfit pared back will help to balance a top as statement as this and Sophie's tan suede wedges were as minimal as her skirt - and also by Penelope Chilvers.

We've seen her wear these a lot this summer, though they weren't the only pair of shoes she brought with her to Scotland. Earlier in the day she and Prince Edward visited Team England and she wore her flatform TOMS espadrilles instead.

These would have worked with her other ensemble too, though comfortable sandals are another failsafe option. If you want to pair trainers with a midi skirt or dress, it's best to go for streamlined shapes as these tie in with their elegance and don't look like too much of a contrast.

In June we saw the Duchess of Edinburgh wearing the same skirt with tan suede knee-high boots and these looked fabulous as well.

Right now it's a bit too hot to try this, but draping a longer skirt over the top of taller boots is a leg-elongating combination. I expect to see Sophie going for this more when the weather cools down and perhaps swapping her blouse for a sleek jumper instead.

Like the Princess of Wales, she regularly re-wears her staples and a denim skirt offers so much styling potential without being too casual. She and Prince Edward were at the Commonwealth Games partly as sports fans and partly as senior royals, with Duchess Sophie presenting the medals for Women's Tandem B 1000m Time Trial.

You can enjoy the end of summer whilst starting to embrace autumnal tones and this is exactly what the Duchess of Edinburgh did at the Commonwealth Games. She and Prince Edward went to watch athletics on 30th July and Sophie ditched her summer dresses for olive green trousers, a white blouse and a textured blazer.

Olive is set to be a huge colour trend for autumn 2026 and earthy greens are a great way to add a pop of colour to your outfits in a more understated way. They complement neutrals and are a softer alternative to black, white and even brown.

The Duchess' trousers were wide-leg and this silhouette is comfy and makes tailoring a little less corporate. Flowy designs are also ideal to wear in the heat and so the colour didn't make them feel too autumnal for right now.

Recreate Sophie's Outfit

Shop Olive Green Favourites

The way Sophie styled them helped too, as she tucked in a bright white blouse with crochet detailing on the neckline. Like Broderie Anglaise, crochet and woven finishes are very popular in the warmer months and add texture to a classic outfit.

Her blazer was mottled beige and white which also balanced out the darker trousers. Unlike shades like burgundy, it's actually quite easy to style olive with paler colours to make it more summery, just as the Duchess of Edinburgh did.

We couldn't see the shoes she wore to the Games in Glasgow in pictures, though plain white trainers would be a casual option to tie in with her blouse. Alternatively, white, tan or green sandals will also coordinate with the rest of Sophie's look and add a polished feel.

Colour matching is a technique the royals regularly use to make their style more cohesive and the King's sister-in-law showcased it with her bag. The Sophie Habsburg Gretel Bag was a lighter olive shade and was made from suede. It had shoulder straps and the size made it a practical option for a daytime outing.

Duchess Sophie could easily fit all her essentials in there and it brought out the colour of her wide-leg trousers. Her jewellery was a mix of gold and silver for a contemporary touch and she finished off her Commonwealth Games ensemble with black sunglasses.

When the seasons change she might not need these as much anymore, but the Duchess can still wear her olive trousers styled in different ways. I'd go for a neutral jumper and boots with them, but she loves being bolder and green and purple is one of her favourite combinations.

I wouldn't be surprised if she wore a berry knit with these and alongside black, brown and white there are some other bold colours that work with olive. Lean into the autumnal side of things and try it with burnt orange or even mustard yellow for a strong, contrasting look.

It can be an ordeal to find confidence-boosting, flattering shorts and yet the weather is about to get too hot for jeans again, so a pair of comfy white trousers is a perfect alternative. This staple is such a handy item to have - whether you have a minimal summer capsule wardrobe or a bigger collection like the Duchess of Edinburgh.

She owns several white trousers, but the style she wore to the 2022 Commonwealth Games was particularly chic. They were cropped and had a straight-leg shape that was streamlined but not fitted. This kind of silhouette is great to wear in the heat as it accentuates your frame and isn't restrictive.

Compared to loose, ultra-wide leg styles, straight-leg trousers also naturally feel quite smart and if you go for neutral tones like Duchess Sophie did, they are incredibly easy to dress up or down.

Recreate Sophie's Summer Outfit

White trousers are a classic outfit base that will work with almost anything and the senior royal went for a subtle pop of colour with her pink Soler blouse. It had a delicate floral print, a tie belt to emphasise the waist and whimsical flared sleeves.

The billowy shape was a contrast against the crisp white trousers and together they felt very balanced. Because the blouse had a peplum-esque frill, Sophie chose to leave it loose and draped, which made her outfit feel a little more relaxed.

For a polished edge, tuck in your top and create a seamless finish. The Duchess's trousers were ankle-grazer length and if you're not entirely convinced by the capri trend for 2026, then this is a subtler way to wear shorter styles.

Ankle-grazer designs are only slightly cropped and they frame your footwear beautifully - as demonstrated by Sophie at the Games. She is loyal to her espadrilles all summer and stepped out in Birmingham wearing £169 Penelope Chilvers wedges.

The brand still makes them to this day and unlike a lot of Sophie's wedges, these have a slip-on court shoe design and are made from leather rather than suede or canvas. The tan shade was warm-toned which complemented the pastel pink blouse and tied everything together.

White trainers or sandals would also work with trousers like hers if you wanted something more casual and comfortable for the daytime. The Duchess is a pro at spending all day in heels so this won't have bothered her and she completed her Commonwealth Games outfit with some gold jewellery and a tan shoulder bag that matched her shoes.

Her ensemble was elegant and not too bright, but the beauty of white trousers - like with jeans or denim shorts - is that they're versatile enough to pair with vibrant tones. You can be as bold as you like with your top and accessories and know that the trousers will go with them.

This is another reason why they're so useful for the season, as many of us love wearing a bit more colour and pattern this time of year. Duchess Sophie has worn white trousers with neutral and vivid tops before, though she clearly loves the look of her pink blouse with them as she wore a more cropped pair with it during a visit to Malawi in 2022. Even the royals stick to tried and tested outfit combinations!

The scorching hot temperatures have passed but it's still sunny and warm enough for us to enjoy our summer dresses for a while longer. They're just so easy to throw on and they're one of the simplest items to take from day to night, depending on the style.

Duchess Sophie has just added a new design to her collection that is the epitome of all-day styling and she debuted it at this year's Royal Welsh Show. She attended as Patron of the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO) and the show shared snaps from her visit, giving us a glimpse at her Lexy London Gudrun dress.

The Duchess of Edinburgh recently wore a pink floral number from this British clothing brand but the Gudrun dress in the 'helibore' print has a bold green print with flashes of burnt orange, white and brown.

Shop Sophie's Outfit

It's a colourway that will work into autumn and the neutral tones help to balance out the bright jade green. Like many of Sophie's favourite frocks, it's maxi length and has a flowing skirt and loosely fitted bodice.

Short puffed sleeves are a feminine touch and there's a waist belt for definition. Dresses with belts are so handy as it gives you flexibility.

Not many people want to wear close-fitting clothing in the heat but cinching in the waist is great when it's cooler or to create a more polished feel for the evening. Incorporating more structure into an outfit is a clever way to elevate it and the Duchess also did this with her accessories.

Because the dress was quite busy already with the paisley floral pattern, Sophie went for her favourite sand suede espadrilles from Penelope Chilvers rather than trying to coordinate her footwear.

Wedges are a comfier alternative to stilettos for the summer as they offer more stability and these ones fasten around the ankle with a strap. The Duchess of Edinburgh's exact espadrilles are almost sold out, though she's owned these for years and I wouldn't be surprised if the style gets brought back again.

Tan or beige shoes are more warm-toned than white and equally wearable, so they're a good option for pairing with statement outfits. Sophie also carried the Mosaic Nano bag by Strathberry in raffia and tan leather.

The raffia complemented the jute sole of her wedges and she wore it slung over her shoulder, leaving her hands-free as she walked around the Royal Welsh Show meeting exhibitors, staff, members and volunteers.

The King's sister-in-law is a vocal supporter of farming, food production and rural communities and recently penned an essay where she said she thought the country's agricultural shows "should be described as 'The Greatest Shows on Earth.'"

Duchess Sophie attended Day 2 of the four-day Royal Welsh Show and although the weather was dry she wore a beige wool-blend blazer for some of her visit. Adding a smart, tailored jacket is another way to turn a day dress into an evening outfit and I would probably remove the longer strap on her bag and carry it by the top handle.

Wedges are a good smart-casual item, but you could swap them for heeled yet comfortable sandals or court shoes to bring some more night-time glamour to your summer dresses.

It can be tricky to find flattering shorts that make us feel confident baring our legs and jeans are just too thick to wear in the heat, but the Duchess of Edinburgh has found a brilliant alternative to both. Capri pants have come back into fashion in a big way for 2026 and back in 2022 Sophie showed us exactly how to style cropped trousers when she wore a white pair in the Caribbean.

She and Prince Edward went on a royal visit to mark Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee and on Day 6 they went to St Lucia. The Duchess stepped out in white high-waisted trousers that fell to just above her ankle and had a subtle kick flare.

This length is perfect for warmer weather as it gives you more coverage than shorts do but without swamping you in fabric and making you overheat.

Recreate Sophie's Outfit

Cropped trousers also show off your summer footwear and woman&home's Digital Fashion Ecommerce Editor Caroline Parr thinks Sophie's are particularly easy to style.

"Has Sophie found the perfect pair of trousers for this time of year? The cropped length will keep you that bit cooler in a heatwave and show off your shoes, plus they feel a bit smarter than shorts," she explains. "In white, they're endlessly versatile too, as they'll work with every top you have in your summer capsule wardrobe."

Like Caroline says, trousers are always going to have an elevated edge compared to shorts. They have more structure to them and the longer length means you can comfortably wear them for a wide range of occasions, from daytime coffee meet-ups to more formal restaurant date nights.

In St Lucia, Sophie wore her trousers with an emerald green Soler blouse draped over the top for a breezy look. The brightness of the top was balanced out by the white tailoring and you could really make out the gorgeous detailing on it.

Floral patterns and lace added a sense of fun to the timeless design and the beauty of white trousers is that you can go as bold as you like with the rest of your ensemble and know they'll complement the other colours. This makes them a reliable staple to build a look around.

The Duchess of Edinburgh could've tucked in her blouse if she wanted to accentuate her waist but her approach worked in a different way. Leaving her shirt loose and concealing the top of her trousers created a seamless silhouette and had a frame-elongating effect.

It was also more relaxed which was great for a day spent visiting Fond Doux Cocoa Plantation and walking up Sulphur Springs, St Lucia's dormant volcano. Her footwear wasn't necessarily the most practical choice for the climb compared to white trainers or hiking boots but her espadrilles looked very chic nonetheless.

Duchess Sophie has a big collection of wedges and these ones were white, with the classic jute sole and an ankle strap to keep them secure. They tied in with her trousers and keeping to this minimal green and white colour scheme made the royal's outfit feel polished and cohesive.

She had the perfect finishing touch too - a gold Cassandra Goad necklace bearing Bob Marley's famous quote, "Love the life you live, live the life you love."

Many of the royals have been very vocal about their feelings concerning social media and the Duchess of Edinburgh is the latest to share her thoughts. In a deeply personal essay, she's insisted that there are much better ways to find entertainment than "social media doom-scrolling", urging more people to visit some the UK's agricultural shows.

Sophie penned the piece for The Yorkshire Post as Patron of the Association of Show & Agricultural Organisations and started out by acknowledging a sad truth.

"In this age of technology where old and young have instant and endless entertainment at their fingertips, events such as agricultural shows may seem to face stiff competition," the Duchess declared.

"Yet the more than 600 shows that span our entire nation contribute hundreds of millions of pounds to our economy, provide more interactive, more visual and sensorial experience, more wholesome entertainment and more endorphin lifting moments than any social media doom-scrolling can ever offer," she added.

For her, the excitement of these local shows far outweighs the experience of scrolling endlessly through our social media feeds. Praising the shows for helping visitors "learn about our countryside, our food production and the vital role our farmers play in our everyday lives", Sophie described the shows as a "place where town can meet country".

True to form, Duchess Sophie also made a point of celebrating the hard work of the staff and volunteer stewards and expressed her belief that the UK's agricultural shows "should be described as ‘The Greatest Shows on Earth’".

Her essay highlights how much Duchess Sophie has in common with her brother-in-law, King Charles. From his days as the Prince of Wales and right up to present day, Charles has championed agriculture and farmers.

In 2016, he even declared rural Britain as "one of the greatest treasures of our nation" - something Sophie quite agrees with, it would seem. Another thing they appear to have in common is a disinterest in social media and mobile phones.

As the Duchess urges people to look for entertainment beyond their fingertips, it’s been reported many times that the King refuses to use a mobile phone, and staff members are reportedly required to turn their mobile phones off, unless they are in a job that requires them to use one.

While it’s not known if Sophie is quite as anti-phones as the monarch, she has previously shared that her children, Lady Louise Windsor and her brother James, Earl of Wessex aren’t that interested in social media.

Lady Louise just graduated from the University of St Andrews and is 22 but she quietly goes about her life, keeping out of the spotlight. Duchess Sophie said in 2021 that her "private" daughter "doesn't put anything out about herself" and doesn't have any public social media accounts out of choice.

"I wouldn't deny her going onto it. But she's not really that interested in it," the Duchess shared. "There's a few platforms that she talks to her friends on. But that's basically it."

Strappy summer dresses and bandeau styles might sound great for hot weather but many of us want a bit more coverage - including the Duchess of Edinburgh. Long sleeves can be incredibly elegant and breezy and Sophie demonstrated this to perfection at a reception for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) in June.

Her outfit of choice for the evening was a sapphire blue maxi dress with a graceful V-neckline and stunning cape sleeves. They were so billowy and voluminous that they seemed to scarcely touch Sophie's arms and this is exactly the kind of silhouette you want to wear in the heat.

Shop Floaty-Sleeved Dresses

Clinging, fitted sleeves can be uncomfortable and restrictive, but draped shapes give you freedom of movement and look very ethereal too. The Duchess's frock was covered with a red, white and turquoise floral print that complemented the femininity of the cape sleeves and the streamlined A-line skirt balanced everything out.

With flowy, longer sleeves, having a slightly sleeker bodice and skirt works well to keep your frame in proportion and not overwhelm you in swathes of fabric. The Princess of Wales also sticks to this formula when she wears cape or draped-sleeve pieces like the olive green Emilia Wickstead dress she wore to the Wimbledon Men's Singles Final.

The structure of the bodice contrasted against the one-shoulder cape detail and this balance was even more important for Sophie as her dress was maxi. The overall design was flattering whilst still being cool and comfy and she kept everything else simple.

The Duchess of Edinburgh is loyal to her espadrilles this time of year and she styled this bright blue dress with her Jimmy Choo Dovina wedges. These have a crossover strap to keep your feet secure rather than a traditional ankle strap or ribbon ties.

This makes them more minimal and slightly smarter than your typical espadrilles. Sophie's were metallic gold and she wore gold floral earrings to match. The longer sleeves were glamorous and these accessories tied in beautifully with that.

However you don't have to keep floaty sleeved dresses purely for special occasions. You can make them more casual by adjusting your accessories and going for different fabrics too. Linen, cotton or jersey designs are always going to look more relaxed than silk or chiffon.

A dress like Duchess Sophie's would work with white trainers and a crossbody bag for a sunny outing too. Alternatively, lean into the boho style and go for a sunhat, tasselled bag and gladiator sandals (which are very much back on trend).

The King's sister-in-law went more elevated for the reception, which was held at Government House in Jersey. Duchess Sophie took over as Patron of the NSPCC from the late Queen Elizabeth in 2016 and it's a charity very close to her heart.

This special occasion was the first time her sapphire blue cape sleeve dress has been seen publicly but knowing how often she re-wears her favourites, it will no doubt get re-worn at some point in the future - possibly with the same accessories.

The Duchess of Edinburgh has visited one of the UK's most exclusive locations after taking on a new role with a show that once gave Queen Camilla "withdrawal symptoms". The county of Borsetshire isn't real, but it holds a special place in thousands of people's hearts as it's the wider setting for the world's longest-running continuous drama, The Archers.

Duchess Sophie travelled to Birmingham to record her cameo appearance on the radio show and fans were given a glimpse of her in rehearsal with the cast on 9th July. The episode is centred on the Borchester Show in Borsetshire's county town and Sophie plays herself, in her role as honorary president of Linking Environment and Farming.

Her debut on The Archers is part of the drama's 75th anniversary year celebrations and since it first started in 1951, the show has amassed a cult following. Queen Camilla is one of its super fans and has openly described herself as an "Archers addict".

At a reception at Clarence House to mark The Archers' 70th anniversary she gave a speech and admitted that she's "known to become quite ratty if disturbed between 7pm and 7:15pm" when it airs. Recordings had been disrupted during lockdown and Her Majesty added that she'd "had severe withdrawal symptoms when [the radio drama] all but disappeared".

Queen Camilla sees The Archers as her "faithful companion" for a lot of her life and she's also had a cameo appearance. This episode aired in 2011 and she played herself, in her role as President of the National Osteoporosis Society.

Part of the reason why she - and so many other fans - love the BBC Radio 4 drama is the way it raises awareness of real life issues and of "others' hidden struggles". Although the Queen has already appeared on The Archers herself, perhaps she'll feel a pang of jealousy hearing Duchess Sophie on her favourite show.

It could make Camilla dream of making another cameo, which I can imagine the show's creators would be more than happy for her to do. The rural setting fits in perfectly with the Royal Family's love of the outdoors and Sophie is a long-time fan of the programme and a big supporter of countryside shows.

The Duchess of Edinburgh co-designed the Plants With Purpose Garden for the Royal Windsor Flower Show this year and in an interview with Alan Titchmarsh she spoke about her love for the shows across the UK.

"We're lucky to have these wonderful little shows in villages and towns around our country, and I remember, when I was growing up, taking my boxes of flowers and actually very terrible floral displays for the competitions," she explained in the piece shared with The Telegraph.

Sophie added, "It was the atmosphere. It was a time when we as children were just let off the leash, and walking into that flower show just took me straight back to my childhood."

Now she's been officially welcomed to the fictional Borchester Show too and according to a teaser shared by The Archers beforehand, she definitely "makes [her] mark".

There was cause for massive celebrations this week as Lady Louise Windsor graduated from the University of St Andrews with a degree in English.

Lady Louise, who was announced as Louise Mountbatten-Windsor as she walked across the stage to collect her degree per HELLO, is not the first royal to graduate from the institution based in Fife, Scotland - both Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales attended the university (and, indeed, it’s where their love story began).

Posing with their newly graduated daughter in photos shared by the palace, Duchess Sophie - showcasing her new short bob - and Prince Edward beamed with pride. But it’s the subtle touch of Prince Edward choosing to wear the same tie that he wore when taking Louise home from the hospital as a baby that really tugged at our heartstrings.

It would appear that, like his sister Princess Anne who has made quite a trend of re-wearing pieces from decades ago, Prince Edward also holds on to his clothes for plenty of sustainable re-wear potential. The fact that he chose to wear the same green patterned tie is just such a quietly thoughtful gesture.

In the graduation photo, it also appears that mother and daughter did some subtle co-ordination. Sophie’s blue patterned dress and navy jacket matches with her daughter’s blue drop earrings.

Lady Louise started at university in September 2022, and her time there has been kept private, as it was for Prince William. Now it’s being reported by several outlets that the young royal will take a gap year - as many new graduates do.

If graduating wasn’t enough of a milestone for Lady Louise, this week she’ll also collect another accolade - and this one has sweet connections to her grandfather, Prince Philip who she shared a close relationship with, especially bonding over their love of carriage driving.

Lady Louise is set to accept her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award from her father, the current Duke of Edinburgh, during a Gold Award bash at the Palace of the Holyroodhouse, King Charles' official royal residence in Scotland, during Royal Week.

Prince Philp founded the Duke of Edinburgh Awards in 1956, initially to encourage personal development for young men before entering National Service. With societal changes, this soon expanded and included young women.

The Gold Award is the highest achievement of the award, and includes the participant completing five key sections, Volunteering, Physical, Skills, Expedition and Residential (Gold only). Both Prince Edward and Princess Catherine have previously earned the Gold Award.

After Louise’s gap year, it’s not known if she’ll join her parents as a working royal. Louise and her brother, James, Earl of Wessex, are currently not working members and haven’t taken any HRH titles that are available to them.

Discussing the matter with The Times in 2020, Duchess Sophie said, “We try to bring them up with the understanding they are very likely to have to work for a living. Hence, we made the decision not to use HRH titles. They have them and can decide to use them from 18, but I think it’s highly unlikely.”

For a minute there I was getting worried that the Duchess of Edinburgh was totally switching up her signature style, but after some gorgeous monochrome and neutral looks she returned to her favourite tone for a visit to Jersey. Stepping out in the sunshine to visit both Government House and charity, EYECAN, Sophie wore a pink throw-on midi dress paired with gold mule wedges.

It's a combination I can't get out of my head and it's the perfect outfit to wear in the heat when you still want to feel elegant. This wasn't exactly a holiday as Duchess Sophie was in Jersey for work but the weather was glorious and I can imagine her recreating this for a private trip too.

Recreate Duchess Sophie's Look

The dress was by British clothing brand Lexy London and had puffed sleeves, a V-neckline and a softly tiered skirt. The sorbet-pink and white trellis pattern was so delicate and feminine, with tiny pops of pastel green. Making it even better, this frock is also designed to pull on over your head.

No-one wants to be taking ages over a load of buttons when it's hot and the Duchess's dress also had a drawstring at the waist so she could adjust it to be as fitted or loose as she wanted. It's 100% cotton and when you're shopping for summer dresses, natural fibres like cotton and linen are the best options as they're so breathable.

The short sleeves provided shoulder and upper arm coverage and the gently flared shape meant the bodice wasn't overly fitted and the skirt was flowy.

This kind of silhouette also helps when you want to beat the heat and floaty midi or maxi dresses naturally feel quite elegant too. Pink is something of a signature colour for the Duchess of Edinburgh and it feels particularly summery, mirroring many of the flowers that are in bloom right now.

As bright colours go, it's also quite easy to style. Pair with white, cream, tan and other light neutrals or red for a vibrant contrast. You can also take a leaf out of Sophie's book and go for gold accessories instead.

Metallics are remarkably versatile and their sheen makes any design look a little more special. Duchess Sophie brought back her gold crossover strap mule wedges from Jimmy Choo in Jersey. This is the first time we've seen her wear them this year and they have the classic jute sole we expect from espadrilles and leather uppers.

The woven detailing on wedges brings a relaxed edge to an outfit and this style is a lot sturdier than stilettos and more elevated than plain white trainers. For even more stability I'd go for wedges with an ankle strap that you can adjust to keep them perfectly secure on your feet.

The Duchess of Edinburgh was clearly very comfortable in hers throughout her busy second day in Jersey. She visited Government House and EYECAN - Jersey's only charity supporting those living with sight-impairment. Duchess Sophie chatted with families helped by the charity, helped craft paper roses and was greeted by an adorable guide dog too.

If I had to guess what the Duchess of Edinburgh's favourite season to dress for is, it would have to be summer. From her love of floral frocks to her affinity for pastel pink and espadrilles, this time of year suits Sophie's signature style to a tee.

She has so many gorgeous occasionwear looks but if I had to pick my favourite summer outfit she's worn it has to be her Wild Bloom midi dress from British clothing brand ME+EM and her crochet bag. This combination is more understated and she wore it to the Hampton Court Garden Festival last June with white wedges.

The baby blue dress had a high round neckline with a subtle keyhole detail and short puffed sleeves. The bodice was fitted and the skirt was A-line, creating a form-skimming silhouette.

Recreate Duchess Sophie's Look

For Royal Ascot and other big events the Duchess of Edinburgh tends to go for more voluminous floral dresses and I love that this one was streamlined. It still felt elegant but in a slightly more relaxed way. This is why I think a floral dress like Sophie's would be such a useful piece for a summer capsule wardrobe, as it can be made smarter with heels for a summer wedding as well as being styled more casually.

Running all over the frock was delicate orange and pink floral detailing and the final effect was like an illustration. These kinds of intricate patterns add a sophisticated edge compared to ditsy florals which can sometimes be a bit twee, or splashy florals which are more abstract.

Another reason this is my favourite Sophie summer outfit is because of how she brought some fun into it with her bag. She could have gone for a matching blue clutch or a neutral top handle bag but instead she opted for a tan and blue bucket bag.

The Capri design by Sophie Habsburg also features a distinctive gold circular handle and the mix of the raffia and floral crochet materials works perfectly for summer. Worn with her timeless dress, it brought a beachy, playful element.

The blue tied in with the piping on the waistband of her frock and Sophie has worn this crochet bag countless times over the years, including to Peter and Harriet Phillips' wedding in early June. It's her go-to for this time of year and it's amazing how textured accessories like this can change how an outfit feels and make them more low-key.

She finished off her Garden Festival look with white espadrille wedges and the jute sole coordinated with the raffia sections of her handbag. A pairing like this can be styled with so many different looks and there'll be a natural sense of cohesion.

Although Duchess Sophie's collection of wedges includes pairs that tie up around your ankles she generally prefers straps which mean she doesn't have to worry about them coming undone. Flat espadrilles, sandals or even white trainers would also work with this kind of outfit depending on the occasion and how much walking you're doing.

Sophie was out for hours, viewing The Community Brain 'Willow Woman' Fashion Garden and a fashion show by Kingston University's graduate students. But she still found time to enjoy an ice cream in the sunshine in this stunning summer look!

Where would the Royal Family be without Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie? The couple have a key part to play in keeping the monarch running smoothly and they're celebrating their milestone 27th wedding anniversary today.

From their initial meeting decades ago to 2026, their love story has continued to blossom and we saw them together most recently during Royal Ascot. Whether laughing and joking together, undertaking serious engagements or raising awareness, the couple are working royals the King can rely on.

But how much do you know about Edward and Sophie's romance? Take our quiz and see if you can score 10/10!

Want more brain teasers? Catch up with all our previous quizzes here.

The women in the Royal Family have access to a staggering collection of priceless jewellery from across the ages but there's something extra special about a design made just for you. The Duchess of Edinburgh clearly feels the same way as she wore a very sentimental necklace for Day 3 of Royal Ascot.

Prince Edward joined her at the races and Sophie honoured him by styling the cross he designed for her to wear on their wedding day. I doubt this was a coincidence as it was the day before their 27th anniversary and this piece is so recognisable.

It's crafted with both white and black pearls and was made by jewellers Asprey and Garrard who also made the Duchess's engagement ring. It's understood that Prince Edward designed both this necklace and the matching pearl drop earrings as a gift.

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Recreate Sophie's Outfit

Sophie wore both items on their wedding day in June 1999 but since then we've only seen the necklace a handful of times. However, the Duchess of Edinburgh reaches for the wedding earrings a lot and this might be because they're smaller and more subtle.

The pearl cross makes an instant statement and the combination of the two pearl colours is very unique. Black pearls are quite rare and are often viewed as a symbol of wisdom and protection, as well as enduring love. White pearls are associated with purity and new beginnings, making both deeply meaningful for a wedding necklace.

Designing jewellery takes a lot of consideration so perhaps Edward looked into the symbolism when he was choosing the stones to send a message. Royal bouquets include certain flowers with specific meanings so it wouldn't be too different to this.

Pearls aren't a big jewellery trend for 2026 but I think this is why the royals wear this gemstone so much. They're timeless and aren't as in-your-face sparkly as precious stones like diamonds so they're easier to style with formalwear and with casual outfits.

Pearls can also be a lot more affordable depending on the style of jewellery you're looking at and white or black versions will go with anything. On Day 3 of Ascot the Duchess of Edinburgh wore her cross with a deep navy frock by her go-to British clothing brand, Suzannah London.

The design featured an organza layer over a strappy underdress and this is the closest we'll get to seeing the royals in sheer outfits. Tiny embroidered bows are a gorgeous touch and it has a round neckline and softly sculpted sleeves.

It seems the Duchess of Edinburgh is loving a moodier colour palette than she usually does at Ascot, as the day before Sophie stood out in a black dress. Neither colour screams summer but both ensembles were very chic and made a refreshing change from pastels.

A navy hat and white kitten heels finished off Sophie's style whilst Edward wore a morning suit with a pale pink tie. Coincidentally this is one of his wife's favourite shades of all time to wear so perhaps this was his subtle nod to her too.

Summer styling can often be challenging and if you're not someone who loves baring their arms or shoulders, then the royals are the ideal source of inspiration. Even in scorching heat, they tend to prefer more coverage and Duchess Sophie's silky blouse is a gorgeous alternative to T-shirts

She wore this Penelope Chilvers piece tucked into pinstripe trousers for the opening of the Plants With Purpose Garden at the Royal Windsor Flower Show on 5th June. The puff sleeves and statement bow at the back give a feminine flourish and the reversible design means that you can switch up how bold or subtle it looks.

It might sound simple but a short-sleeved blouse like this is a great staple for summer as it's lightweight and comfy, but elegant.

Shop Sophie's Outfit

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You could wear this style with linen trousers and sandals or with jeans and white trainers and the top would fit in seamlessly. They also cover the tops of your arms which is great if you're not so confident wearing vest tops, or want to shield yourself from the sun more.

Duchess Sophie paired her blouse with tailored trousers for a smart feel at the flower show and the silk had a subtle sheen that made the whole design feel particularly sophisticated.

Silk, linen or cotton tops are also naturally very breathable if you also want an option that you can wear in the heat as well as in slightly cooler temperatures. Compared to plain T-shirts, the Duchess's blouse is a step up and yet if you go for a neutral colour or a shade you wear a lot already, tops like this are just as easy to work into outfits.

Like so many of the royals, Sophie is a big fan of blue and her silk blouse coordinated perfectly with her wide-leg trousers.

She kept the rest of her ensemble very minimal, going for a pair of Penelope Chilvers shoe wedges and her beige Max Mara blazer. In essence, this was "trousers and a nice top" and you really can't go wrong with this formula for so many different occasions, from family BBQs to summer date night dinners.

Pretty much any look where you'd normally reach for a T-shirt would work with a blouse like Sophie's. She wore a very similar shaped one - also by British clothing brand Penelope Chilvers - when she went to see preparations for LEAF Open Farm Sunday days earlier. This time she took a more relaxed approach and left her top loose and draped over the waistband of her cotton trousers.

Last year the Duchess of Edinburgh also wore another puff-sleeved design during her visit to South America, so they really are one of her warm-weather style essentials. Thankfully for Sophie, the Royal Windsor Flower Show wasn't unbearably hot this year and she was joined by Prince Edward as she unveiled the Plants With Purpose Garden which she co-designed with Alan Williams.

It showcases the importance of healthy soil and planting for pollinators, encouraging people to consider how their food is grown. The plants and garden features will be repurposed for local schools participating in a new RWHS Nature Studies Programme over the summer.

The Duchess of Edinburgh has swapped the warm but rainy UK for sunny Portugal and as soon as we get some sunshine again, I want to put together an outfit that's as elegant yet comfy as the one she wore on Day 1 of her visit. Sophie and Prince Edward are away for three days and she started off with a particularly special dress.

We all know that Sophie is a big fan of a botanical pattern and she toured Lisbon in the floaty maxi-length design that we last saw on her 26th wedding anniversary. Made by one of her most-worn British clothing brands, Suzannah London, the Veronique silk dress is part of a collaboration with Rachel Levy and has an emerald green clover print.

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It's got a tea dress shape, with smocking on the cuffs and bodice. The skirt is bias-cut and the long sleeves give coverage but are flowy and comfortable. Duchess Sophie stepped out in this frock at Royal Ascot on 19th June 2025 as she and Edward celebrated 26 years of marriage.

On both occasions she kept her accessories minimal and let the clover print do all the talking. In Lisbon, which the couple are visiting to mark the 640th anniversary of the Treaty of Windsor, she carried her sold-out white Radley Liverpool Street bag.

Coordinating your accessories to a patterned dress brings an instant sense of cohesion and it's easier to do if you pick a design that is primarily neutral like Sophie's. You could also go for a black, cream or navy option if you prefer and no matter how bright the pattern, these tones will help to balance things.

We can see this with the Duchess of Edinburgh's outfit and her Jimmy Choo heels were a similar ivory tone. She added a touch of contrast with her gold jewellery, which included drop earrings and a matching ring by Giulia Barela.

The floral designs tied in with the clover pattern on her dress without being a precise match. For Ascot, Sophie added a statement hat with netting and wore diamond jewellery instead. Her shoes were a soft beige tone, but were a similar shape.

Pointed toe pumps have a lovely leg-elongating effect that works particularly well with a sweeping long dress. A printed dress like hers would make a stunning summer wedding guest dress and you could also make it more casual with a change of footwear.

Espadrille flats would be just as lovely as wedges, as would white trainers or sandals depending on the weather. Duchess Sophie is a pro at walking in heels, though, and she also got to sit down for a time as she and Edward travelled around Lisbon by tram.

They also unveiled the first display of the original English and Portuguese copies of the Treaty of Windsor, which formalised the Anglo-Portuguese partnership in 1386. Later on Sophie swapped into a scarlet dress and burgundy Penelope Chilvers Hibiscus heels for a Garden Party held at the Ambassador's Residence.

When duty calls, the Royal Family will answer and it's possible that the Duchess of Edinburgh's dedication to her work could see her miss out on a special, private occasion. Duchess Sophie's nephew Peter Phillips will marry Harriet Sperling in Gloucestershire on 6th June and plenty of royals are expected to be there.

Usually, I'd predict Sophie would be one of them, but the wedding date clashes with the 2026 Royal Windsor Flower Show and the unveiling of a personal project. Sophie has co-designed the Plants with Purpose Garden which will be at the heart of the show, giving an understanding of how food is grown and showing the importance of healthy soil.

The King's sister-in-law has already spoken with the RWFS Honorary President, Alan Titchmarsh, about the garden in an interview shared with The Telegraph. She also said that this particular show is special to her as she's been going since she was a child.

"The first time I went, I walked through the York Club onto the lawn, and I just went: 'Home'," she reflected. "This is my childhood. We're lucky to have these wonderful little shows in villages and towns around our country."

Given all this and her hard work in co-designing the Plants with Purpose Garden it would surprise me if Duchess Sophie didn't attend the Royal Windsor Flower Show. According to the Royal Diary, she's definitely going to be at the official opening of the garden the day before.

It could perhaps suggest that this arrangement has been made to allow her to be free on 6th June. However, it doesn't necessarily mean that a visit to the full show isn't on the cards too as it's important to see how members of the public react and engage with Plants with Purpose.

If the Duchess makes an appearance on the day it could mean she's either not able to make it to Peter and Harriet's wedding, or at least not all of it. Traveling between her Surrey home and Berkshire and Gloucestershire is possible, if not ideal.

At least this way Duchess Sophie could be part of the family occasion even if not for the whole day, and we already know the royals are used to making it to different engagements in a very short space of time.

The King and Queen have also just been confirmed as attending Derby Day at Epsom Downs on 6th June so it seems like they could potentially miss part of Peter's big day. They're patrons of the Jockey Club and, as Epsom's General Manager Jim Allen put it, "Royal attendance has been synonymous with the meeting for generations."

Peter Phillips isn't a working royal himself but as the son of one of the hardest working royals around - Princess Anne - he'll be well aware that personal moments have to be balanced with duties. If his uncle and aunts do make it to some of his wedding he'll likely be thrilled and the event is already quite low-key.

It's a second marriage for both Peter and Harriet and they'll say "I do" in a "private ceremony" at All Saints Church in Cirencester. The reception will reportedly be held at Princess Anne's Gatcombe Park home - the estate where Peter lives too.

If there's one style of shoe the Duchess of Edinburgh can't be without this time of year, it's espadrilles, and she's just added a new pair to her collection. Wedges are gorgeous with summer wedding guest dresses and smarter outfits but when you want pure comfort as well as style, flat espadrilles like Sophie's TOMS Valencias are perfect.

They're an elegant alternative to white trainers without being too formal and the flatform design of these shoes gives some elevation too. The Duchess already owns the Valencias in white and she wore a chambray blue version when she went to see preparations for LEAF Open Farm Sunday.

They're slip-on style, with a rope-wrapped flatform sole and TOMS' CloudBound™ insoles which provide extra support and breathability. If you're not sure about anything with a platform, then the brand also makes very similar espadrilles that are purely flat.

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The uppers on the royal's shoes are a soft dusty blue with tiny white dots and the combination adds a hint of colour to an outfit without being overwhelming. Duchess Sophie kept to a blue, green and cream theme, though her espadrilles would look stunning with a plain white dress or linen trousers and a vest top.

For an official visit she wasn't going to dress quite that casually and her trousers were khaki with a gathered hem that finished just above her flats. She styled them with the Monday Floral Blouse from Penelope Chilvers (the British clothing brand that also makes one of her go-to pairs of espadrille wedges) and a neutral blazer.

Even her earrings coordinated as she re-wore a simple pair of Monica Vinader aquamarine studs. It was a low-key ensemble that still felt polished and the espadrilles were my favourite part.

The woven sole of espadrilles immediately adds a summery edge to any outfit and they strike a good balance between elegance and casualness. Espadrilles flats or flatforms like Duchess Sophie's are often overlooked compared to wedges but if anything they're even more versatile because they're comfy to wear everyday.

She looked at ease as she walked around, seeing the preparations for Open Farm Sunday in her role as honorary president of Linking Environment And Farming.

Most outfits where you'd typically reach for trainers would work with these styles and the Duchess of Edinburgh has worn her other Valencias in various ways before. She took them to Nepal with her in 2025 and styled them with a floaty maxi skirt, white T-shirt and a blazer.

At the Royal Windsor Horse Show a few months later Sophie went for a more casual red maxi dress instead. Now the Duchess has proved they work effortlessly with relaxed trousers too. Knowing how much she's worn her white TOMS Valencia flatforms before, I expect to see these chambray blue ones a lot this summer.

Picking out what to wear in the heat can be a tricky process and having simple, breathable staples like a pair of shorts helps a lot. Denim shorts are always popular in the summer and they go with everything, but they can often be a little *too* short.

Ultra small shorts aren't for everyone and Duchess Sophie's found a style that's an elevated alternative. The royals rarely wear shorts in public at all - except for sports - so you know that the Duchess of Edinburgh felt comfortable and confident in these.

She wore blue Bermuda shorts when she attended an Association of Sail Training Organisations sailing day in August 2018. These fell to just above Sophie's knees and had practical pockets and a slight flared shape.

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If you want to be really comfy and breezy, go for wide-leg shorts. The Duchess stuck with her favourite denim wash and mid-blue is one of the most versatile colours. It's the perfect balance between the casualness of light denim and the formality of indigo.

Because of this, mid-blue shorts or jeans are just a lot easier to dress up or down without looking out of place. You could also go for white denim Bermuda shorts if you wanted something a little smarter, as these tend to resemble tailored shorts more.

Whatever wash you prefer, denim shorts work with a huge range of different colours so you can embrace vibrant tops and accessories or else keep everything understated and neutral.

For the sailing day Duchess Sophie went low-key and styled her shorts with a light blue T-shirt and beige canvas trainers. Leaving your top draped over the waistband is a flowy option for hot weather, but if you want to flatteringly accentuate your waist, I'd recommend tucking it in for a streamlined silhouette.

This is particularly effective if the shorts are high-waisted. You can't go wrong with a classic tee or a vest top, whilst a white shirt or silky cami would take things up a notch as a date night outfit.

The length of denim shorts like the Duchess of Edinburgh's means they're not too revealing for either the day or night time, and they're great for occasions where trainers and dresses aren't quite right or when you want extra practicality.

She was comfy enough to sail a boat in her shorts and all Sophie needed to finish off her outfit in style was a blue and white tote bag and some delicate jewellery, including her Monica Vinader rose quartz stud earrings. This ensemble could easily work for everything from a BBQ at home with family to running errands in the local town.

On cooler days in summer, just add a light cardigan or - if you're a double-denim fan - a matching jacket. Duchess Sophie didn't need another layer back in 2018 and I do wonder whether she still has these long shorts in her collection for when she's relaxing at home in private.

Floral dresses are a safe bet to wear to the Chelsea Flower Show: they're flowy, on-theme and feel elevated for a special day out. However, we've seen some people doing things differently this year and that includes floral dress lover Duchess Sophie, who chose a blush pink outfit instead.

Pastel pinks are a fashion colour trend for 2026 and it's one of her most-worn shades, so she used the show as an opportunity to re-wear her Theory trousers and trench. These luxurious pieces aren't a specific set but they're similar enough to look like one.

Colour-coordination is one of the oldest tricks in the royal style book and it makes each item look thought out, therefore creating a polished feel. The Duchess of Edinburgh's trousers were wide-leg and high-waisted with a crisp pleat running down each leg.

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Her trench fell to her knees and she wore it open which meant we got to see how she styled her full outfit underneath. Sophie's Soler London shirt had a colourful botanical pattern on the white background and a collared neckline that mirrored her coat.

Even though her Theory trench and trousers were both pink they acted as the neutral base for her look and balanced out the shirt. It helps that blush is not too far away from beige or oatmeal tones, so it's one of the easiest pastels to style and doesn't stand out too much.

Because these two pieces matched, the Duchess's ensemble was also kept on the more minimal side and her shirt was the only big element of contrast. Determined to dress spring-like, Sophie braved the rainy spells in her favourite wedges from British brand Penelope Chilvers.

She's owned the Mary Jane espadrilles in sand for ages now and if you love the idea of wedges but aren't sold on the designs that lace up around your ankle, pairs with straps are a secure alternative. The jute sole of her shoes tied in with the raffia texture of her Radley The Golborne bag too.

This is a new addition to her collection and right now you can pick it up with 20% off by using the code MAY20. It's got a zip across the top and neutral handles and piping.

Duchess Sophie chose to carry hers by the top handle straps which always looks elegant and smart, though it can also be worn as a shoulder bag if you attach the longer strap. Woven handbags instantly make an outfit look summery, perhaps because the texture is reminiscent of a picnic basket.

Either way, the Duchess of Edinburgh owns quite a few and something like her Radley bag is big enough for the essentials without being bulky.

Gold drop earrings finished off her look and given the weather on the Chelsea Flower Show Press Day on 18th May I wouldn't be at all surprised if Sophie packed a mini umbrella in her bag! She attended with Prince Edward and King Charles (Patron of The Royal Horticultural Society) and Queen Camilla were also there.

We know what was on the Duchess's mind during her visit as she was spotted holding a book titled Plants & Pollinators. Sophie is co-designing a garden for the Royal Windsor Flower Show in June and it'll include plants selected specifically to encourage a range of pollinators.

It's amazing how much a certain scent can bring back memories or instill a feeling of calm and the Duchess of Edinburgh has just shared one of the aromas that she loves the most. This year Sophie is co-designing a garden for the Royal Windsor Flower Show and told RWFS Honorary President Alan Titchmarsh that the Plants With Purpose garden will include vegetables, fruits and herbs.

"There's nothing better than going out and picking some rosemary; it's one of the best smells in the garden," Duchess Sophie explained in a piece shared with The Telegraph. "The dogs run through it and then they come back and you can even smell it on the dogs."

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She and Prince Edward have three dogs and plenty of outdoor space where they live at Bagshot Park to grow herbs like rosemary. It's got such a distinctive, woody scent and of all the smells I could've imagined Sophie loving, this never came to mind.

The way she talks about it suggests it really is one of her favourites and perhaps this means that she gravitates towards fresh, more herbal perfumes. Unlike the Royal Family's clothing and jewellery which is often instantly recognisable, their signature fragrances are mostly a mystery.

Over the years it's been widely reported that the Duchess of Edinburgh wore Ralph Lauren Romance on her wedding day. This is more floral than herbal, though it does have woody base notes and is often considered a fresh, airy scent.

Even if her favourite perfume is very different to the rosemary she loves to smell in the garden, it's still an interesting titbit from Sophie and I can just imagine her dogs running through the plants and her enjoying the aroma at her Surrey home. Her Plants With Purpose garden features other aspects that are personal to her too.

The Duchess told Alan about growing up in Kent and having fruit trees at home, leading to her ensuring there's an abundance of fruit and trees in her garden.

"What people will see is that you can mix the planting of prettiness with things that are going to end up in the kitchen and become food," the Duchess said. "We've got a variety of fruit trees at home, so we will have some small fruit trees here as well. As a child, I grew up around fruit gardens in Kent, and in my teens I'd go off cycling to the local farm to go and pick raspberries day after day."

She added they had an old orchard in the garden that produced the "most delicious apples" which were tiny. Sophie reminisced, "And to be able to just take an apple off a tree, or pick a gooseberry… As a child, how many times did you pick a gooseberry straight off the bush and eat it?"

Plants With Purpose is being created to be both visually beautiful and useful, either in providing homes for pollinators or ingredients you can cook. There are plenty of recipes that include rosemary and given Duchess Sophie's whole ethos with the garden, I expect she makes full use of this herb in her meals as well as appreciating it as one of the "best smells" around.

You can't go wrong with a pair of comfortable jeans and although spring/summer is the season of white jeans outfits, Duchess Sophie has made a strong case for brown tones instead. She braved the rain on Day 1 of the Royal Windsor Horse Show and brought three different jackets, all worn over a white shirt and wide-leg jeans.

This is a classic smart-casual outfit combination and her jeans look to be the GAP brown corduroy ones. They're sold out but they have a relaxed wide-leg silhouette and high-rise waist. Unlike a lot of corduroy trousers, these didn't have ribbed detailing which tends to add a wintery feel.

Instead, they resembled classic denim jeans, just in a darker colour and although I stand by the versatility of blue and white washes, brown is another great neutral.

Recreate Duchess Sophie's Outfit

It goes with so much and as it's softer than black or navy, you can easily pair brown jeans with light tones. The Duchess of Edinburgh's crisp white shirt was tucked into her jeans and she tied the two contrasting tones together even more with her mottled light brown blazer.

A full tonal outfit like this is always going to feel polished, as all the shades complement each other perfectly. Brown jeans also more closely resemble trousers and this makes them a little smarter than blue denim for those occasions where you want to be comfy yet elevated.

The Royal Windsor Horse Show is one of these events for Duchess Sophie, who is there to enjoy the show rather than undertaking a royal engagement. Her blazer was the heritage woven jacket by British clothing brand ME+EM and it had multiple pockets for a utility-inspired edge.

A structured jacket like this helps to dress up denim and if you're wearing chocolate brown jeans like Sophie, I'd advise going for outerwear that is relatively neutral and not overly cool-toned. Cream, white and tan work well and with looser jeans, a fitted, cropped jacket is great for accentuating the waist and balancing proportions.

Streamlined jeans in turn look stunning with longline or oversized jackets. Given that she was dressing for sunshine one moment and rain the next, Sophie ditched her beloved espadrilles and wore tan suede boots to the show instead.

It's held in Home Park at Windsor Castle and block heels were a clever choice to avoid getting stuck in wet grass. As the weather got colder, Sophie added a white scarf, a padded jacket and a tan waterproof hooded coat. To give brown jeans more of a summery feel, style them with a T-shirt, Broderie Anglaise blouse or cami top and add your favourite white trainers.

We tend not to see the Duchess dressing as casually as this when she's out in public, but who knows if she'll be wearing a similar look when the weather warms up again. Sophie certainly didn't let the May rain dampen her spirits at the horse show and was pictured beaming as she was driven in a golf cart by Simon Brooks-Ward who directs the RWHS.

Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward live at Bagshot Park which is less than half an hour's drive away from Windsor Castle, so it's not surprising that she often attends multiple days of the show and we could get plenty more outfit inspiration before it concludes.

The royal family has long supported greener gardening practises, with King Charles pioneering sustainable gardening ideas for almost 40 years. This spring, see Duchess Sophie join the King on his quest to adopt a gentler approach to gardening with her suggestion of rewriting the rules of 'No Mow May'.

"What happens to the insects after May?’ Just confining it to May doesn’t make any sense to me," says the Duchess rather pointedly.

During the exclusive interview with The Telegraph, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, speaks passionately about embracing more holistic, rewilding garden trend rather than the perfectly landscaped plots of times past.

During the exclusive interview, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, speaks passionately about her feelings towards the 'No Mow May' trend and how she personally prefers to extend the practice well into the summer months.

“When we get to this time of the year, we start to talk about No Mow May,” she explains. “I always say: ‘Well, what happens to the insects after May?’ Just confining it to May doesn’t make any sense to me. Our temperature fluctuates, so [the insects’ eggs] don’t necessarily hatch. They continue to lay their eggs and then they hatch, but they continue doing that throughout the summer. So [at home], we have No Mow May, June, July…”

Cultivating a wildlife-friendly space by leaving areas of your lawn unmown is an easy but brilliant way to support all the unsung heroes of the ecosystem, from bees and butterflies to the bird species that eat slugs, including blackbirds, magpies, thrushes and robins.

Why we will be extending 'No Mow May'

Interviewed by gardening legend Alan Titchmarsh, who also shares her organic gardening beliefs, Sophie talks about designing her first garden for the upcoming Royal Windsor Flower Show. Despite it being a one-day event, Duchess Sophie has designed her garden with the hope that it will have a lasting impact on how gardeners maintain their plots.

Her sustainable garden design features what the Duchess calls “wilder areas”, planted with “lots of grasses and movement”. By showcasing her respect for insect life and wildlife preservation, she hopes to inspire a more organic approach to gardening.

We feel certain enough to say that her garden design will also feature plenty of plants for pollinators to provide a plentiful source of food for the insects living in the longer grasses.

Our w&h resident gardener, Orpheus Alexander, agrees with Duchess Sophie's approach to extend the no-mow policy for the greater good. Here he shares how he does "No Mow May – but better" to be able to use the lawn throughout the summer still...

"I mow a simple circle and leave the edges to grow wild. It keeps the space useable, but still gives pollinators and wildlife somewhere to live and feed," Orpheus explains.

"The important bit is what happens next. If you let it grow, avoid cutting it back hard in June, because by then things have moved in. I keep these edges longer right through the season, often until winter."

In the spirit of helping the garden grow naturally, we're also big fans of rainwater harvesting to provide a sustainable alternative to watering garden plants. We're hugely in favour of making small tweaks to maintain a kinder approach when tending to our plots.

The Duchess of Edinburgh is following in the Princess of Wales's fashion - and floral - steps as it was announced she's co-designing and building a garden for the Royal Windsor Flower Show. Sophie is teaming up with Alan Williams of Landform Consultants on The Plants with Purpose Garden and they've met with Alan Titchmarsh, the RWFS's Honorary President.

In an Instagram post featuring beautiful photos by Sarah Legge, we got to see parts of this meeting and Duchess Sophie looked relaxed in a neutral striped blazer, white jeans and wedges.

As soon as I saw it I couldn't help but think of Kate's linen striped blazer from her visit to Colchester Hospital last summer. Both jackets were a summery twist on tailoring, though I think perhaps Sophie's is the more wearable look overall thanks to the denim.

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White jeans outfits can be unforgiving and yet they're also stunning for the warmer months so when you find a pair that works for you, you've really struck gold. I'd advise taking a look at your most chic yet comfortable jeans and then seeking out a similar cut in white denim.

The Duchess of Edinburgh doesn't tend to go for baggier styles and she looked to be wearing straight-leg jeans. These are a good all-rounder - not quite as tight as skinny jeans and slightly more streamlined than wide or barrel-leg ones. Because of this, straight-leg designs strike a good balance between comfort and looking smart.

Like white trousers, you can wear jeans like Sophie's with so many different colours and she went for her oatmeal-toned blazer from Max Mara and neutral Penelope Chilvers wedges. A white shirt was just visible under her jacket, which she wore buttoned up.

If you want to balance proportions, it's great to choose a more fitted top or jacket with wider trousers and vice versa. Her blazer was slightly oversized and longline which was a lovely combination with the sleek, straight jeans.

To make a similar ensemble more casual, swap the espadrilles for white trainers and wear the jacket open. This is what the Princess of Wales did when she wore a striped blazer to visit Colchester Hospital.

She also chose chocolate brown trousers instead of jeans which smartened things up again, though jeans and a blazer is something of a signature for Kate in general. For Duchess Sophie, wedges are an irreplaceable part of her summer outfits and she's owned these ones with the ankle strap for many years.

However, we don't often see her in denim and this appears to be a new blazer, showing she's always subtly evolving her style and perhaps taking a leaf out of her niece-in-law's book. It's interesting that the Duchess of Edinburgh is creating a garden for the Royal Windsor Flower Show too, as the Princess designed one for the Chelsea Flower Show in 2019.

Sophie and Alan Williams' garden is set to highlight the importance of healthy soil and an understanding of how food is grown. As a senior royal she champions sustainable food production and opportunities for young people to have a career in the British food industry.

As soon as the sun comes out you can bet that the Duchess of Edinburgh will be reaching for her espadrille wedges and midi dresses but she chose a slightly different pairing on 5th May. Sophie visited Airbus Defence and Space in Stevenage, which develops and makes everything from Meteorology Satellites to Spacecraft Structures.

She looked spring-like in her old favourite Prada white jacket and a Gabriela Hearst maxi skirt and the combination has given me so many spring outfit ideas. I love dresses and they're so easy to throw on, but you can generally get more wear out of a skirt as a change of top can instantly transform the overall outfit.

Duchess Sophie's skirt fell to just above her ankles and maxi designs aren't only for special occasions or date night outfits.

Recreate Duchess Sophie's Look

This one was white with a pink floral pattern and didn't feel too much for her daytime visit at all, thanks to the A-line silhouette. A streamlined skirt is more low-key and wouldn't be as much of a contrast against a casual top like a T-shirt or cami.

The floral pattern on the Duchess of Edinburgh's maxi skirt was delicate and it brought a feminine flair to her otherwise very neutral look. Her Prada jacket sat just over the waistband and had a collared neckline and gold-toned buttons for a hint of glamour.

Sophie has worn this piece on numerous occasions and if you don't already have a white jacket in your spring capsule wardrobe this look might convince you. They just bring a sense of elegance and minimalism, whilst complementing pretty much all other colours.

A white blazer or denim jacket is a versatile alternative to the classic cut of Sophie's. If you'd rather elongate your frame rather than accentuate your waist, I'd advise going for a longline design that'll drape over the skirt.

We didn't get a glimpse of the Duchess's top underneath her jacket, though I could imagine her opting for a plain white long-sleeved top or T-shirt that she tucked in for a smooth finish. Sophie's shoes were patent ballet-pink court heels and she carried a tan Valextra top handle bag.

With her blonde hair worn loose and a pair of subtle drop earrings, Duchess Sophie put together an outfit that was undeniably elegant and understated. The two key elements - the jacket and skirt - could be re-worn time and time again with different items to create a totally different feel.

However, we've also seen the Duchess wear this exact outfit before, so she clearly loves this particular combination. Last summer she stepped out in the skirt, jacket and shoes when she visited Northampton Bike Park and she looked comfortable in it again this time around.

Duchess Sophie got to view the 'Mars Yard' Mars Rover test area at Airbus Defence and Space and drove a radio controlled model toy camper van made by their apprentices. She also joined schoolchildren who were taking part in a STEM class experimenting with a plasma ball.

One of the seasons I love the Duchess of Edinburgh's style so much is that she isn't afraid to have fun with fashion, especially when it comes to accessories. From her flamboyant feathered hats to her 'Wonderwoman' clutch, Sophie puts her own twist on things and she just did it again at the first royal garden party of the season.

These parties inspire summer wedding guest dress purchases, though I found myself looking more at the Duchess's raffia clutch and hat. Woven accessories can be deemed too beachy or casual, but it doesn't come much more formal than a Buckingham Palace event and hers fit in.

She's owned this Sophie Habsburg clutch for a while now and it blends the timeless flapover design with a pop of bright colour on the front. The orange detailing is only in a small section and it brightens things up without making the bag tricky to style.

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Aside from this it's entirely neutral and woven items are a big spring/summer handbag trend for 2026. The smart shape of the bag elevated the raffia material and made the clutch the perfect pairing for her favourite coral frock.

The Duchess of Edinburgh has the Beulah Yahvi dress in five colours and this is one of her most-worn shades. The orange on the bag continued the sunset shade theme of her outfit and it was a new way of styling it for her.

We'd usually see Duchess Sophie reach for plain leather accessories with this dress but the raffia added some contrast. She also chose an angled hat that had a similar texture to the clutch, with tiny cut-outs and vibrant coral feathers.

This headpiece was formal yet fun and you could easily recreate this kind of ensemble with a woven sunhat instead. It just goes to show that raffia isn't only for summer holidays or low-key outings - it can be made more elegant too.

Structured, classic bag designs like clutches or top handle bags are going to look naturally smarter and these would be wonderful for events like garden parties, weddings or special gatherings. If you did want to keep things on the relaxed side, I'd advise picking slightly slouchier shapes like a bucket bag or roomy tote.

Although the Duchess didn't wear matching raffia shoes on this occasion it's easy to imagine them as part of this outfit instead of her patent beige heels. Woven heels, wedges and even flats like ballet pumps are everywhere right now and with a raffia bag you've got yourself a versatile pairing.

These items tend to come in primarily neutral shades which means you can mix and match them with so many different pieces. Duchess Sophie has worn her raffia clutch with a very different outfit before, when she visited Golspie in Scotland in 2024.

On this occasion she stepped out in a camel blazer, olive tailored trousers and a striped top and once again the raffia clutch wasn't too casual. She also owns a fabulous raffia Capri bag - also by Sophie Habsburg - with a metal bracelet handle and turquoise crocheting. The Duchess of Edinburgh wore this with a floral ME+EM dress last summer for a smart-casual look.

You can’t go wrong with a white dress for summer and Duchess Sophie agrees as she’s added a new style to her collection in time for the warmer weather. Although a plain frock is always going to be the most minimal and classic, patterned white dresses can be a stunning alternative.

They’re a little more detailed and the Duchess of Edinburgh wore a particularly meaningful print as the royals celebrated what would’ve been Queen Elizabeth’s 100th birthday on 21st April. Her white silk midi dress was the Gabriela Hearst Galway design and what looked like brown stripes at first glance were actually riding boots.

Sophie likely chose this piece as a nod to her mother-in-law who was famously an avid fan of all things equestrian and kept plenty of horses herself.

Recreate Sophie's Outfit

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You’d think that an item with such an unusual pattern would be a difficult piece to style and yet the beauty of a white dress is that the neutral background colour is always going to be the focus. It balances everything out and brings a level of versatility, no matter what shades or details are layered over the top.

The Duchess’ dress had chocolate brown and blush pink boots on it and this pastel is one of the key spring/summer fashion colour trends for 2026. It’s also one of her go-tos and was only a small part of the overall design compared to the other tones.

Going for a white printed dress that’s monochrome or entirely neutral can make things simpler, for example black or navy stripes, florals or dots. Sophie also kept her accessories minimal too, going for tan court shoe heels and a white Radley bag.

Each item complemented the other and even if you’re not someone who loves matching accessories to outfits to the same degree as the royals, it’s such a clever trick. Selecting shoes, a bag or jackets to tie in with a patterned white dress makes everything feel cohesive and put-together.

It can be as simple as going for white trainers or sandals or picking a cardigan to layer over that coordinates with the colour of the print.

Duchess Sophie added a pair of golden drop earrings and secured her blonde hair in a twisted updo for the day’s events. She was one of several members of the Royal Family who went to a reception at the British Museum to view the final design of a national memorial to the late Queen Elizabeth.

Like her, Sophie’s husband Prince Edward honoured his mother with his outfit, choosing a horse-patterned tie for the occasion. Later in the day the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh also attended a Buckingham Palace reception hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla.

The guests included representatives of Queen Elizabeth’s former charities and patronages, as well as people who were celebrating their own 100th birthday on the day. During the event, all the working royals came together for a special new portrait as they remembered the life and legacy of the late monarch.

The past few months have been weighing heavily on the Royal Family, no matter how much they focus on going about their daily business. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest in February was a particular low point and it will have come as a surprise to no-one that he wasn’t at the Royal Family’s Easter gathering on 5th April.

Andrew’s younger brother Prince Edward did attend and royal expert Jennie Bond believes that these two have "probably the closest bond" of their four siblings. Even so, she thinks Edward’s loyalty to his wife Duchess Sophie totally outweighs this.

"As the two youngest sons of the late Queen - both of them a decade or more younger than their siblings - Edward and Andrew probably have the closest bond," she told The Mirror. "So it has no doubt been hard for Edward to witness his brother's disgrace."

Jennie added, "But his first and overriding loyalty is to his wife, who is such a tireless campaigner for women who have been sexually abused, particularly in the war zones of the world. How utterly depressing it must be for Sophie to learn about the long-standing and close friendship between her brother-in-law and a convicted paedophile [Jeffrey Epstein]."

The Duchess of Edinburgh is a passionate advocate for and supporter of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI) and regularly travels all over the world to raise awareness.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor vehemently denies all allegations of wrongdoing, though this "notwithstanding" he’s been stripped of his Princely title and his association with Epstein continues to bring scrutiny on the Royal Family.

"I'm sure that Edward and Sophie discuss everything and provide valuable support to one another in this crisis", Jennie reflected.

The Duke of Edinburgh, who is four years younger than Andrew, became the first member of the Royal Family to comment on the release of more Epstein files in January, saying it is "really important to remember the victims". Jennie Bond has "no doubt" he was "absolutely sincere" with his response, especially as he’s seen Sophie’s work for so many years.

The couple are key working members of the Royal Family who play a huge part in keeping the cogs of the regal wheel turning. They’re close with the Prince and Princess of Wales and Edward’s "overriding loyalty" to Sophie is mirrored in her devotion to him.

In a speech ahead of his 60th birthday the Duchess called him her "guide" and "given [her] much help and advice" over the years they’ve been together.

"His knowledge and instincts that have been honed over decades of service are invaluable - so we share speech notes (not this one, sorry darling!), chat through issues our patronages may be tackling, and together I think we make quite a good team," she continued.

It would make sense that they are turning to each other during the ongoing Andrew scandal and standing united with the rest of the Royal Family. Prince Edward and their son James, Earl of Wessex were at the Easter Sunday service this year, whilst Sophie is said to have been under the weather and their daughter Lady Louise was busy studying.

The sunshine is making it feel like we’ve bypassed spring and gone straight to summer and that means getting to enjoy a style switch-up. The Duchess of Edinburgh has a noticeable fashion formula for warm weather and her most-worn shoes are espadrilles.

Paired with a midi dress and you’ve got yourself an incredibly comfortable yet chic look - and Sophie’s striped frock and tie-up wedges are the epitome of this. She wore them to the Groundswell Regenerative Agricultural Festival at Lannock Farm last July and with a look this timeless, it would be a shock if she didn’t bring them back in 2026.

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Like so many of her outfits, this one championed several of the best British clothing brands and Duchess Sophie’s wedges were by a royal favourite - Penelope Chilvers. They had the classic jute sole, a manageable heel for the daytime and a leather toe.

Whilst some espadrilles fasten with buckled straps, these ones were secured with laces around the leg. Tie-up wedges feel especially elegant and leg-elongating as they draw the eye upwards. However, Mary Jane styles give you added security and Sophie also owns plenty of these. Whatever you choose, the key factor to consider is the colour.

All of the Duchess’s espadrilles are very neutral - including this taupe pair. You already have the woven sole on wedges, so going for a plain white, cream, tan or black design keeps things easy to style. They can then be paired with any of the spring/summer fashion colour trends without concerns about clashing.

The King’s sister-in-law loves fun floral dresses but for the festival she went a little more understated with a Suzannah London white striped shirt dress. The blue pattern was delicate on the white background and the rest of the frock was simple, with a collared neckline, long sleeves and a tie-belt detail at the waist.

You can’t really go wrong with a breathable cotton or linen dress in the warmer months and midi styles complement the elegance of espadrille wedges too. Going for something with slightly longer sleeves means you can adjust the look to suit the weather.

On a cooler day, leave them as they are and layer over a cardigan or light jacket like a trench coat. Duchess Sophie didn’t need anything over her dress last July and this gave us all a great glimpse of it. Stripes are equally as ageless as florals but somehow don’t feel quite as dressy which is perfect if you wanted to recreate the royal’s combination for a BBQ or a coffee with friends.

Black and white or blue and white pieces are especially popular, though you could go bolder with your colour palette if you’ve got some neutral wedges to pair with it. The Duchess of Edinburgh added a pop of electric blue with her Sophie Habsburg shoulder bag and went for plain gold jewellery and brown sunglasses.

This ensemble was sufficiently stylish for an engagement, as Sophie was there in her role as Patron of the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations, and could still be worn to so many other occasions. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for a reappearance of her wedges and midi dress over the next few months.

Prince William has made it clear that 'change is on my agenda' when he becomes King. But he has a rather sizeable problem - he is running out of royals to do the legwork.

Once, there was a raft of working royals to carry out the cake-cutting, tree-planting and charity visits that are the bedrock of the family’s work.

They, and their photogenic families, filled up the Buckingham Palace balcony, dutifully turned out for Trooping the Colour, and clocked up a huge number of engagements in the UK and abroad.

In 2011, there were 12 major royals who covered 3,874 duties, while in 2024 that figure had dropped to 2,168 (partly due to the cancer diagnoses of the King and Princess of Wales).

Last year, royal engagements rose to 2,459 according to the Court Circular, which lists the work of the Royal Family.

But age is an issue. Of today’s current working royals, only four are under 75 (Prince William, Princess Catherine, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh). Princess Anne is 76 this year, while the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester are 81 and 79 respectively. The Duke of Kent, 90, and Princess Alexandra, 89, have practically (and quite rightly) retired due to old age and ill health.

Scandal - in the form of the man formerly known as Prince Andrew and his friendship with the convicted paedophile and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein - has rocked the royals.

His disgrace also means that, for the moment, his daughters, Princess Beatrice, 37, and Princess Eugenie, 35, have stepped back. They are not working royals and have their own jobs (Beatrice runs her own consulting company, while Eugenie is a director at Hauser & Wirth art gallery), but have, until recently, helped out at family engagements.

So could this mean that Prince William will look to the youngest of the late Queen’s grandchildren to support him?

Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and her younger brother James, the Earl of Wessex, are the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh’s children. Following in the footsteps of their grandparents, both have enjoyed military training in the army cadets.

They embody the dutiful tradition of the House of Windsor, turning out for the royal Christmas at Sandringham, Easter at Windsor and Trooping the Colour with good cheer.

Yet growing up, their parents have shielded them from the harsh glare of a royal childhood in the limelight. Their public appearances have been few and far between – a family trip to Bristol Zoo (of which Prince Edward is patron) in 2019, a Southsea beach clean in 2020 to promote marine conservation, and the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

As Lady Louise finishes university this summer, could the 22-year-old be the family’s new secret weapon and saving grace? So suggests royal expert Christopher Wilson, who described her as a 'dark-horse contender' for the new face of the monarchy.

The late Queen’s granddaughter, says Wilson, 'charms all who meet her and could be a useful asset to the royal team.' But, he cautions, Sophie’s 'vastly protective' maternal instincts might mean Lady Louise stays 'out of the spotlight' for the time being.

For now, at least, the young royal - 17th in line to the throne - is focusing on her studies. After A levels at St Mary’s School Ascot, she’s now in her fourth year at the University of St Andrews studying English literature. Friends there speak of a 'very popular, sporty and down-to-earth' young woman who loves acting.

Like her fellow alumni, Prince William and Kate Middleton, Lady Louise appears to have found love in Scotland, with rumoured boyfriend Felix da Silva-Clamp often accompanying the Duchess of Edinburgh to watch Lady Louise competing in carriage-driving competitions.

James, 18, is currently in his last year at boys’ boarding school Radley College in Oxfordshire.

As James and Louise grew up at the family’s palatial Surrey home, Bagshot Park, they spent a lot of time with their grandparents at nearby Windsor Castle. It meant they enjoyed a close relationship with the late Queen and Prince Philip. And much to his delight, Lady Louise took up her grandfather’s sporting passion of carriage driving.

Following his death in 2021, he left her his own carriage and driving ponies, and in the TV documentary Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers, she paid a moving tribute to her beloved 'Grandpa'.

She recalled the close bond the two of them shared, forged over many years of a mutual love of carriage driving: 'After a competition, he would always ask how it went. His eyes would light up because he just gets so excited when he talks about it.'

As the grandchildren of the monarch, James and Louise were entitled to style themselves Prince/Princess and use their His/Her Royal Highness (HRH) titles. But perhaps with an eye on Princess Anne’s decision not to give titles to her two children, Peter and Zara Phillips, Sophie and Edward also chose not to do so.

It has enabled both Louise and James to lead very private lives. Louise even had holiday jobs at her local garden centre - on the minimum wage, where she operated the tills - so she could save up to buy her first car.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, as senior working royals, have proved a safe pair of hands - and upon whom Prince William has indicated that he will rely once he is King.

Their down-to-earth and dutiful children could also reinvigorate the brand, while Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, are given time to grow up.

Whether Louise and James wish to serve as first rank royals is a different matter - although Louise has indicated she wants to serve in the armed forces. The King and Prince William have talked about the virtues of a slimmed-down royal family. But new blood is always vital if the monarchy is to stay reinvigorated and relevant.