Ahead of Duchess Sophie's 60th birthday tomorrow, Buckingham Palace has released new photos of her. And, alongside her beautiful outfits, one thing stood out to royal fans.
Congratulations are in order as Duchess Sophie gears up to celebrate her 60th birthday on Monday 20 January. In a slight deviation from tradition, the Royal Family has already marked the special day, taking to Instagram today to share a new photos showing the Duchess looking relaxed and happy ahead of the celebrations.
Royal fans were quick to wish the Duchess a very happy birthday, but that wasn't the only thing on their minds. "Such a beautiful and hard working member of the Royal Family," wrote one. "The Royal Family’s secret weapon!" said another.
Many shared words of admiration for the popular royal who looked as sophisticated and elegant as ever in a black turtleneck and white pleated midi skirt in the stunning first photo. The other two were equally striking, the Duchess opting for a splash of one of her favourite colours for the others with some vibrant green trousers and a structured white maxi coat. The birthday outfits are the perfect blend of chic and playful, with some of 2025's biggest Spring/Summer fashion trends incorporated into them.
Shop Duchess Sophie's Birthday Looks
Made from a cotton-rich fabric for a breathable finish, this long sleeve top is a wardrobe essential in the winter months. With a flattering slim fit and a cosy funnel neck, it is super versatile and will see tonnes of wear as a layering or a standalone piece.
Made from a textured fabric that gives this skirt a luxe feel, you get tonnes of movement thanks to flowy fabric and gathered details that fall into soft and subtle pleats.
A staple shoe all year round, these nude court heels with a patent finish bring a soft, feminine flair to any outfit. Style like Sophie with a monochrome outfit and use them to soften the look, or pair with jeans and a floating blouse for a more casual feel.
Boasting a high waist, wide leg fit, and tailored details like the front pleat detail and smart side pockets, these trousers are impossibly versatile. Keep them casual with trainers and a T-shirt, or dress them up like Sophie - or go even more formal with court heels and a blouse.
Made from a soft touch fabric that feels oh-so luxurious on the skin, this jumper boasts a regular fit and cosy roll neck for a chic and bundled up look, while ribbed texture gives a timeless finish.
A longline off-white coat like this H&M piece is a great staple, with the tone bringing a touch of brightness to any look in place of the heavier, grounding black shade we tend to opt for when it comes to outerwear. This H&M coat boasts a cosy oversized fit and tailored details.
Playing into one of our favourite trends that has bridged the gap between 2024 and 2025, Sophie opted for a monochrome outfit for her first birthday look and paired a sharp black turtleneck top with a crisply pleated white maxi skirt. The two tones contrasted against each other beautifully for a clean and sophisticated style, with a pair of nude patent court heels finishing off the look with a subtle, understated flair.
With some dainty jewellery accessorising the outfit and a minimal makeup look letting her natural skin peek through, the first photo sees Duchess Sophie mid-laugh and the candid, relaxed pose gives a lovely insight into her warm personality.
The last two pictures were taken at Bagshot Park and, like the first snap was, they were taken by female photographer Christinae Benezer. For these photos, she again opted to wear a turtleneck, which is clearly a staple silhouette in her winter capsule wardrobe, but this time opted for a knitted one in a beautiful earthy brown shade.
She complimented this rich, deep tone with a pair of bold and bright green wide leg trousers. With a crisp front pleat detail, a flattering high waist and a slightly flared wide leg silhouette, they were a great choice to blend formal with fun and walk that line between elevated causal and formal wear.
The colour worked brilliantly with the green landscape in the background of the snaps and, when paired with Sophie's brown point-toe boots, they leant into the rich, earthy colour palette she was going for while also adding a bright pop of interest.
Finishing off her outfit, Sophie pulled on the dreamiest and most flattering winter coat we've seen her in - and that's really saying something with all the stunning styles she's stepped out in over the years. Impeccably tailored, the coat features crisp structured shoulders, sharp lapels and a nipped in waist that highlights the gorgeous A-line silhouette that hangs beautifully down to the mid-calf.
With juxtaposing black buttons, the warm white shade brings tonnes of brightness into the outfit and makes this birthday look one that we'll remember for years to come.
But while we've been fawning over her outfits, royal fans have been taken aback by another aspect of the Instagram post. "How is Her Royal Highness 60?! She looks fabulous," one wrote in the comments. While another added, "Hard to believe that she is 60. She looks like 45!"
-
Dr Amir Khan reveals the 5 'sneaky' bad habits that may be damaging your health without you realisingThe doctor took to Instagram to discuss the unhealthy habits to break for better work-life balance, sleep, and wellbeing
-
Kate Middleton is that you? Her floral dress, side-swept fringe and pink blazer deserve a comebackThe building blocks for the Princess’ signature style were always there in her looks and this outfit can easily be updated for 2025.
-
Kate Middleton is that you? Her floral dress, side-swept fringe and pink blazer deserve a comeback
The building blocks for the Princess’ signature style were always there in her looks and this outfit can easily be updated for 2025.
-
I’ve been writing about the royals for years - here’s what I predict Kate Middleton will wear at Easter (and what I wish she’d wear instead)All eyes will be on the Princess of Wales if she attends the Royal Family's Easter Sunday church service for the first time since 2023
-
Kate Middleton's go-to bag for special occasions is a wedding season essential you'll reach for time and time againThe Princess of Wales always reaches for the same elegant style of bag for formal events and it works beautifully for weddings.
-
Kate Middleton declares baker boy hats back for 2025 in new Love Actually-esque outfitThe Princess of Wales's signature style is all about timelessness but that doesn’t mean that she never gets on board with trends.
-
Forget-me-not blue is the pastel Duchess Sophie always comes back to - it might've overtaken pistachio as our favourite this seasonThe royals love wearing a range of colours for engagements and visits, but there are a few hues that each of them gravitate towards the most.
-
Royal style made casual - Zara Tindall's one-shoulder dress, denim jacket and Aspinal bag are the epitome of chic summer comfortZara Tindall's outfit in Bahrain was a more relaxed take on her signature style and was made up of timeless staples.
-
Queen Camilla takes note of Kate Middleton's love of polka dots with charming collared number in RomeIf we had to pick the Princess of Wales’s favourite print it would be polka dots and Queen Camilla just emulated her style in Rome.
-
Don't let white jeans daunt you - Duchess Sophie's recent outfit shows they're just as versatile as blue denimBlue jeans are a wardrobe must-have for so many of us but white denim has a reputation for being a lot more challenging to style.
