Duchess Sophie beams in new photos released ahead of her 60th birthday - they have royal fans all saying the same

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

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!"