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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Pastels are *the* quintessential spring shades but they’re not the only ones proving popular right now and vibrant blue is easy to overlook. Bright blues are a big spring/summer fashion trend for 2026 and Duchess Sophie is on board too. She wore a mood-boosting cobalt dress from Gabriela Hearst on a recent visit and you can’t go far wrong with a frock like hers for wedding season.

It’s always worth checking what bridesmaids will be wearing to avoid unintentional matching, though muted tones are the most-chosen. Blue doesn’t feel too scene-stealing - like red, pink or yellow can do - and the Duchess of Edinburgh’s dress was patterned which helped with this too.

The Phelan Bow-Collar dress is a new purchase for Sophie and she styled it simply yet elegantly for her engagement at Radley College in Oxford.

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The dress features a collared neckline with a feminine bow, long blouson sleeves and a fit-and-flare shape.

You’d be forgiven for thinking the pattern was leopard print, but it’s actually got a navy blue abstract leaf design on the lighter background colour. This dress would make a sensational outfit for a wedding or special party, with its timeless silhouette and sophisticated feel.

The colour adds a sense of fun too and whilst you might think cobalt blue would be difficult to style for an event, you can actually pair it with a variety of different hues. Personally, I would take a similar approach to the Duchess of Edinburgh and stick to neutral shoes.

She wore her old favourite Jimmy Shoe patent heels as she officially opened Radley college’s new Music School and they have a low, angled heel. Depending on the occasion, espadrilles are a great alternative, but manageable-height heels are perfect for a formal event.

Metallics, white and tan also complement cobalt and many of us will already have accessories in our spring capsule wardrobe in at least one of these wearable colours. Keeping everything else minimal is a clever way to keep your look balanced and let your blue dress shine.

Of course, you could also follow one of the royals’ other favourite tricks and colour-match your shoes and bag to your outfit, though this can make life a lot more challenging. Instead, consider adding a pair of blue earrings or a necklace for a tiny hint of more cobalt.

If you’ve got a spring event coming up and you’re not convinced you’ll be stepping out in sunny weather, a white jacket can look gorgeous over the top of a blue dress too. Sophie also likes wearing this colour with a navy blazer though she didn’t need another layer on this occasion.

The celebration for the opening of the Music Hall featured two new pieces composed by Cecilia McDowall and eight of the boarding school’s pupils. The hall brings together a Concert Hall that can seat 300, an additional Recital Hall, a dedicated Song Room, 26 music practice rooms and state of the art classrooms.

The Duchess of Edinburgh has a number of patronages and roles focused on music and it’s been widely reported that her 18-year-old son James, Earl of Wessex is a pupil at Radley College.

It feels like spring has only just sprung but before we know it, everything from weddings to Wimbledon, Christenings and garden parties will be upon us. No-one wants to be panic-shopping at the last minute just before an event and that’s why I tend to add pieces to my collection as soon as I find something I love.

We’re starting to see a lot of beautiful options make their way online and onto the high-street. We’re also seeing a lot of inspiration around and Duchess Sophie’s dress for the Reasons For Hope Gala is a stunning example to follow.

She is the royal who is most often seen in florals and whilst Sophie champions British clothing brands a lot, this was by American designer Zimmermann. Their Hypnotic Maxi Dress has a cool, lilac-blue base tone with golden paisley and botanical prints.

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The design features a classic crew-neckline, long sleeves and a scarf-style belt that accentuates the waist but can also be removed. The Duchess of Edinburgh kept the belt on for the gala, which was in support of the Jane Goodall Institute UK and celebrated the legacy of Dr Jane Goodall, who passed away aged 91 last October.

Sophie twisted the waist belt slightly to the side, so that it didn’t cover the front of the gown. This is such a quintessential *her* look that woman&home’s Digital Fashion Ecommerce Editor, Caroline Parr, thought it must’ve been an old favourite.

"When I saw this dress on Sophie, I thought it was very true to her signature style. So much so, I assumed it must be a repeat!" she says. "Paisley is a very stylish alternative to classic florals, and with its floaty long sleeves, round neckline and floor-length skirt, this dress would be cool enough for a summer wedding, and it's incredibly easy to accessorise."

The Hypnotic Maxi Dress has a combination of paisley and floral motifs and the neutral tones of the print stood out against the pastel background. The silhouette was actually very simple, though florals add a sense of sophistication that elevates things.

When you’re styling patterns like this, I’d advise taking a similar approach to the Duchess and sticking to a timeless shape you know you’ll be comfortable and confident in. This is especially important when you’re shopping for occasionwear. After all, no-one wants to invest in a special frock that realistically you’re not going to want to wear after the event.

If you love the romantic floatiness and pattern of the Duchess of Edinburgh’s gala ensemble but don’t love ice-blue then go for a shade that fits your signature style more. The spring/summer fashion colour trends for 2026 are a mix of pastels, like blush pink, and brights.

Lighter colours are more understated for an event like a wedding and can be easier to accessorise. For the Reasons For Hope gala, Sophie carried a gold clutch bag that tied in with the dress and wore minimalist earrings. We didn’t get a glimpse of her shoes, though floral dresses pair perfectly with court heels, or espadrilles if the occasion is more relaxed.

The Duchess of Edinburgh wasn’t the only royal at the event and she was pictured with Lady Helen Taylor, who’s the daughter of Queen Elizabeth’s cousin the Duke of Kent.

We don’t always know what the royals are getting up to on their birthdays but when the Duke of Edinburgh turned 62 on 10th March, he and Duchess Sophie stepped out in Italy. Edward and Sophie have been there cheering on the Great British Paralympic team at the Winter Paralympic Games and saw the athletes in action.

Prince Edward is Patron of the British Paralympic Association and he and Sophie also spent time with members of staff and supporters. Forgetting about lightweight spring capsule wardrobe essentials, the Duchess went for comfort and warmth with an official adidas Team GB outfit.

She was wearing a scarlet puffer jacket with navy straight-leg trousers and Penelope Chilvers boots. This look was ideal for the mountains though with a little adapting, it’s equally perfect for at home. After all, spring can be just as freezing as winter in the UK as we know…

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Complete The Outfit

The Royal Family tend to stick to smart-casual or formal outfits unless they need to seriously prioritise practicality. That’s exactly what the Duchess of Edinburgh did and her red puffer was quilted, her trousers looked waterproof and her boots were shearling-lined.

A puffer jacket might not be as sleek and chic as a trench coat, but when it’s cold there’s nothing better and shorter styles mean you’re not completely overwhelmed with fabric. A cropped puffer can help to accentuate your waist and going for lighter or pastel tones is a lovely way to make this wintery style more spring-like.

Of course, Duchess Sophie went for a right, white and blue theme for the Milano Cortina Games and her trousers were a deep navy with a straight silhouette.

Fitted to the knee, they were looser towards the ankle and this ensured they looked streamlined whilst still being roomy enough. Several layered tops and her Penelope Chilvers Brae Hiking Boots completed the look and although these aren’t available now, the brand still makes similar shearling-lined shoes.

You could swap boots for trainers and you’d still have yourself an easy Sophie-inspired outfit too. Going for more elevated accessories can help to transform a puffer and straight-leg trousers into something smarter, though I think the beauty of pieces like these lies in how well they work day-to-day.

The King’s sister-in-law wore a plain black puffer back in February when she met athletes across all three services and disciplines as Patron of the UK Armed Forces Winter Sports Association charity.

Her Team GB red one is far brighter than this and it won’t be for everyone. Going for neutral colours is a safe bet and means you can easily mix and match it with different trousers and tops. Prince Edward went for a head-to-toe blue and white Paralympic outfit for their time there and the royals in general love championing patriotic colours.

I would expect the Edinburghs to do the same - with a summery twist - in July when the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games start. Edward, Sophie and their children went to watch the Birmingham Games in 2022 and I’m sure they’d want to support the athletes again at another home championships.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh go about their royal duties without a lot of fanfare and play a vital part in keeping the wheels of the Royal Family turning day-to-day. Their children Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex are 22 and 18, giving their parents more time to dedicate to royal duties whilst Prince William and Kate raise their much younger family.

According to woman&home magazine’s Royal Correspondent Emily Andrews, all of the Edinburghs’ could be even more important when William is King. Writing in the April edition, which is on sale now, she declared that Sophie and Edward have "proved a safe pair of hands" upon which "Prince William has indicated that he will rely" on.

"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," Emily adds.

Whilst we might have expected Prince William to continue to "rely" on his aunt and uncle, it’s interesting to consider how Lady Louise and James might get involved in their cousin’s reign. The Royal Correspondence notes that whether they "wish to serve as first rank royals is a different matter", though she adds that Louise "has indicated she wants to serve in the Armed Forces".

The slimmed-down monarchy has become even more evident in recent years and there’s been no move to appoint any more working royals to help lighten the load for the others. However, Lady Louise and James wouldn’t necessarily have to take on official roles to help Prince William, either with engagements or in terms of boosting the Royal Family’s popularity.

The King’s other nieces and nephew are often seen at events like Ascot, Wimbledon and Garden Parties despite none of them being working royals. Their presence still supports the monarch and raises the profile of The Firm, so perhaps Louise and James could do this more one day.

Their parents Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie have raised them with the expectation that they’ll have to work elsewhere anyway and accompanying them to visits or events is a more low-key option. The Edinburghs and Waleses are close and royal author Katie Nicholl alleged in The New Royals that Kate is "said to admire" Edward and Sophie’s parenting.

Lady Louise Windsor taught Princess Charlotte how to draw landscapes and animals at Balmoral when she was younger. She also reportedly looked after George, Charlotte and Louis whilst the families were up there.

It sounds like Lady Louise in particular could be seen as something of a role model for the Wales kids and that’s surely exactly the kind of person Prince William would wish to have at the heart of the Royal Family when he ascends the throne, even on an as-and-when basis.

Regardless of what happens with Louise and James, Emily believes that the Prince of Wales can "rely" on Sophie and Edward like King Charles does now.

The couple have stepped up more than ever in recent years and last year former BBC Royal Correspondent Jennie Bond claimed that Sophie "is now one of the most trusted women in the King’s circle and is viewed as a senior and highly respected member of the Royal Family."

"Charles always seems completely at ease with her. She is a sister-in-law he can trust and depend on," she declared.

Read Emily Andrews’ full feature in woman&home’s April issue, on sale now.

The Duchess of Edinburgh has so many jackets and coats to choose from that we know she really loves something when it becomes a go-to. This is what’s happened with her chocolate brown Gabriela Hearst blazer and as we start to re-assess our spring capsule wardrobes, I can’t help feeling she’s on to something with this staple.

After all, a denim jacket or trench coat isn’t going to suit every outfit and a blazer works wonderfully with both flowy dresses and skirts and jeans or trousers. Duchess Sophie’s choice of a brown blazer is particularly clever as she’s been pairing it with wintery tones like burgundy but it would also work with lighter spring/summer fashion colour trends like blush pink.

Her latest appearance wearing the Gabriela Hearst design came on 3rd March during a visit to Northern Ireland.

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She went to Bloomfield Walkways Community Centre in Belfast where she watched a dance performance, chatted with members of the Walkways Women’s Group and met with representatives from Guide Dogs.

It was a busy day for the Duchess and her blazer brought a level of sophistication and polish to her ensemble without being too formal. If you’ve ever been unsure of how to style a blazer, I’d recommend a casual outfit underneath to balance out the structure.

Jeans and a blazer outfits are the perfect mix of elegance and wearability, though Duchess Sophie also showcased how lovely they look with a midi skirt and jumper. She opted for an A-line burgundy skirt and matching crew-neck knit, as well as dark red heeled ankle boots from Jimmy Choo.

Keeping the rest of her look to one colour made the jacket really stand out and the long-line shape of her blazer meant it draped beautifully over the top. Burgundy looks great against dark brown, though because it’s so neutral, there’s so many other possibilities open to you with a blazer like Duchess Sophie’s.

To really complement it, go for other warm-toned colours like cream, blush pink, tan, red or orange, though you can pretty much pair anything with a brown jacket. Chocolate Brown has surged in popularity in recent years and Digital Fashion Ecommerce Editor at woman&home, Caroline Parr, believes it’s "much softer and more contemporary than black or navy".

As we go into spring/summer and naturally begin to gravitate towards brighter and lighter hues, a brown jacket is a versatile piece to own as it’s a soft contrast against them.

The Duchess of Edinburgh has worn her Gabriela Hearst blazer a lot since she debuted it in Canada back in 2023 and although she has styled it with matching tailored trousers, she also likes wearing it with lighter brown trousers or this burgundy skirt.

She struck the right balance between sophistication and approachability during her day of engagements. As well as visiting Walkways Community Centre, the Duchess of Edinburgh opened the new National Autistic Society Northern Ireland’s centre and learnt from families about the support it will provide.

Then, at Randalstown Library, Duchess Sophie met community groups and those who have taken part in a Women in Leadership Programme and later she spoke with Guide Dogs volunteers who are celebrating 40 years of the charity in Northern Ireland.

Spring is fast approaching and yet we all know that the transition between seasons can be tricky to dress for, as the weather is so unpredictable. That’s why it’s so handy to have certain items in your spring capsule wardrobe that will work with a variety of different shoe and jacket options. For Duchess Sophie, this is undeniably a floral dress.

They’re a staple for spring/summer and yet you can also style them with layers to make them warmer. This wasn’t something she needed to worry about on 25th February, as the Duchess of Edinburgh was in Kenya and went all-out summery with espadrilles.

Like so many of her floral frocks, this piece was by one of the best British clothing brands and she’s had the Beulah London design in her collection since April 2025.

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It’s their Sienna dress, with a stunning bouquet print on a midnight blue base colour. Usually we’d be drawn to light tones and pastels for spring, but there’s something so chic about a dark floral dress. They feel naturally a bit more sophisticated and the contrast between the background colour and the pink, orange and red botanical motifs on Sophie’s dress really made the detailing in the pattern pop.

Having a deep base colour also balanced out the boldness of the other shades which helped to create an elegant feel. The Duchess’s Sienna dress was her favourite midi-length and had puffed sleeves and a tie-waist belt for extra shaping. It’s a clever move to go for something with mid-length sleeves, as they are great for slightly chillier days without giving too much coverage.

"There's a reason everyone keeps coming back to floral print midi dresses," says woman&home’s Digital Fashion Ecommerce Editor, Caroline Parr. "Find a good one, and it will be the workhorse of your wardrobe."

She adds, "Team it with white trainers or espadrilles like Sophie when the sun is shining, but add a pair of tights, boots and a chunky cardigan when fool's spring fades away."

Caroline’s suggestions show exactly how versatile a floral midi dress like Sophie’s really is and you can also add your best trench coat or a denim jacket, depending on how formal or casual you want your ensemble to be. Of course, given that she was dressing for a Woman in Leadership Reception hosted by Acting British High Commissioner to Kenya Dr Ed Barnett, it’s no wonder she wanted to look quite smart.

Duchess Sophie reached for her go-to warm weather shoes - espadrilles - and these were her Mary Jane wedges from Penelope Chilvers. Sadly, you can’t buy these exact white espadrilles anymore, but the brand does still make them in a gorgeous metallic champagne tone.

The King’s sister-in-law finished off her look for the reception with a pair of delicate hoop earrings and a turquoise bracelet. Her blonde tresses were tied back loosely and Sophie struck the perfect balance between looking put-together and not too formal.

She was pictured happily chatting with guests at the reception, which was held at the British High Commission Residence in Nairobi on Day 1 of her two-day trip to Kenya. The event brought together distinguished women leaders from across the country, ranging from business leaders to Cabinet Secretaries, government officials, civil society representatives and media leaders.

Duchess Sophie has been busy this month and after spending two days in Somalia she’s just arrived in Kenya where she was greeted by President William Ruto wearing what I can only describe as a work of art. I mean this quite literally, as whilst her shirt dress had a very timeless shape, the print running all over it was like a unique watercolour painting.

We’ve seen the Duchess of Edinburgh in this stunning Suzannah London Dolce Vita piece before and the detail is incredible, with the landscape including earthy greens and browns. The top of the dress was a very pale pink - a big spring/summer fashion colour trend for 2026 - and had birds flying in silhouette.

Sophie’s frock featured a neat collared neckline, three-quarter length sleeves and a fit-and-flare shape with delicate pleats in the skirt.

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The watercolour-esque design made it very striking yet it had a softness to it compared to other patterns like polka dots or stripes. If you’re someone who isn’t quite sure how to style patterns, I’d recommend taking a similar approach to the Duchess and picking an item that’s otherwise very simple. This helps to balance things out and make the item more wearable.

Duchess Sophie also kept the rest of her outfit very minimal for her meeting with President Ruto, though one accessory particularly caught my eye. She wore neutral heels, carried a matching woven clutch for a sense of cohesion and added a tan belt.

Belting your dresses is such an easy thing to do and yet the royal showed how much of a difference it can make to an ensemble. The Duchess of Edinburgh’s belt was chunky and featured a western-inspired silver buckle at the front.

It cinched in the waist of her frock and added extra structure and shaping which accentuated the feminine flair of the skirt too. The contrast between the leather and the flowy silk also made this outfit look very considered and polished.

We’ve seen Sophie wear the dress without a belt before and it was still beautiful. What else would you expect from a piece like this made by one of the best British clothing brands? Yet the belt worked so well and you can mix and match different ones to make your own dresses feel and look different depending on the occasion.

Leather designs are ultra chic and smart, whilst suede belts or raffia options are a little more casual, so it’s worth adding a style to your spring capsule wardrobe that would complement your signature outfits best.

Like all the royals, the Duchess of Edinburgh tends to either stick with smart-casual outfits or go very formal. She looked so sophisticated for Day 1 of her two-day visit to Kenya, which will celebrate the role of women in peace-building, growth and security. As well as meeting with President Ruto, Duchess Sophie went to Kazuri Beads.

Kazuri Beads’ skilled female artisans make handcrafted jewellery and the Duchess was pictured looking at their pieces and trying on a pair of earrings. She also spoke about how creative skills can help to foster economic independence.

There's no doubt about it, Duchess Sophie's favourite spring/summer shoes are definitely espadrilles and she has quite the collection, ranging from wedges to flats. Her TOMS flatform Valencia shoes fall in between, as they give extra lift whilst still being perfect for the daytime.

The Duchess of Edinburgh has worn them a lot, including last February when she was on a six-day trip to Nepal. The weather was admittedly far warmer there but looking back at her visit to the National Botanic Garden I can't help dreaming about espadrille and maxi skirt outfits.

This kind of look incorporates classic designs, as well as fashion colour trends, and Sophie styled her espadrilles with a floral skirt, white t-shirt and blush pink blazer. It screamed spring and the flatform on her shoes gave them a more formal edge than you'd typically get with flat espadrilles.

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The Valencia design features a rubber sole wrapped in rope to give that traditional jute look, and the heel is padded for comfort. Duchess Sophie owns the plain white canvas versions, though TOMS also make these in various other colours and patterns.

Personally, I think hers are one of the cleverest choices as they're so neutral that you can pair them with almost any outfit and they're more elevated than your best white trainers without being ultra smart.

The platform also accentuates this and you could easily wear espadrilles like these in the daytime without feeling over-dressed or uncomfortable. The Duchess of Edinburgh styled hers with her Zimmerman maxi skirt featuring a watercolour-esque floral pattern cascading upwards from the hem.

The print looks like pink poppies and this piece comes with a raffia belt attached as part of the design, though adding a separate belt to a skirt is really easy to do and is a cost-effective way to switch things up. Sophie's skirt fell to just above her espadrilles and created an elegant leg-elongating silhouette.

She tucked in a white T-shirt and layered over a pastel pink single-breasted blazer. Blush tones are very on-trend for spring/summer 2026 and the royal is a long-time fan of them anyway.

"If Barbie pink isn't for you, paler petal colours are much easier to work into your wardrobe," says woman&home's Digital Fashion Ecommerce Editor Caroline Parr. "As Sophie shows, a pink blazer will perfectly complement florals, but you could try pairing yours with jeans for a smart casual weekend look too."

The Duchess of Edinburgh's ensemble was sophisticated for Day 3 of her Nepal visit, though swapping a blazer for a cardigan or denim jacket would make it more low-key. The beauty of the maxi skirt and espadrille combination is that it's easy to dress up or down with other pieces and is quite timeless.

She wore hers for a tour of the National Botanic Garden, where she helped school children to plant a rhododendron (Nepal's national flower). Duchess Sophie also visited the Living Mountain Lab at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development and the Gurkha Welfare Trust Welfare Centre where she and Prince Edward met Gurkha veterans, widows and staff.

The Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh rely on a lot of the same style staples to create their elegant outfits and their latest favourite is a stunning option for spring. Both royals stepped out within days of each other wearing very similar chocolate brown blazers this month.

Lighter than a winter coat, blazers still provide warmth on a chilly day and their colour of choice is not only very on-trend, but practical. Duchess Sophie wore hers first when she opened the Brendoncare Foundation’s new Knightwood Community Hub and Kate reached for hers for a visit to Castle Hill Academy to mark Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week.

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Perfect Pairings for Blazers

Sophie’s Gabriela Hearst blazer was double-breasted whilst Kate’s Petar Petrov one was single-breasted, though the shades were almost identical. Brown has been so popular throughout the past year and it might not be a new 2026 fashion colour trend, but it’s not going anywhere.

Both the Duchess and Princess have wholeheartedly embraced chocolate tones which work so well as an alternative to black. The structure of a blazer instantly gives it a smart edge, so going for a softer colour helps to mellow this and isn’t as stark against the rest of an outfit.

Sometimes a black blazer can look too business-like whereas the royals’ brown jackets can effortlessly work with both smart and casual pieces. The Princess of Wales went for a blue With Nothing Underneath shirt, brown trousers and Boden loafers with her jacket.

This was more on the formal side, though her flat shoes made it more contemporary and low-key. In contrast, the Duchess of Edinburgh styled her blazer with a feminine burgundy midi skirt, a matching jumper and chic kitten heels.

The two ensembles were very different and yet the brown jackets complemented the different silhouettes and colours perfectly. As we move towards spring a lot of people tend to gravitate towards pastels and lighter hues, which brown looks great with too.

The versatility of a brown blazer makes it a useful jacket to have in your spring capsule wardrobe and it looks more sophisticated and polished compared to other seasonal favourites like denim jackets and puffers. If you’re ever in doubt, jeans and a blazer is a reliable combination and when warmer days return I wouldn’t be surprised to see Kate styling hers in this way.

The Princess of Wales has previously worn a pink blazer with jeans to the Natural History Museum and recreating this with a brown blazer would give the look a 2026 twist. Meanwhile Duchess Sophie is more likely to pair hers with a midi dress as she tends not to wear denim as much for public appearances.

Whatever happens, the two royals are clearly very aligned when it comes to owning easy-to-wear fashion staples. They looked chic and comfortable for their respective visits and the Duchess of Edinburgh spent time with residents, community members, staff and volunteers at the Knightwood Community Hub and took part in a game of kurling, as well as planting a magnolia tree.

Three days later Kate went to Castle Hill Academy in her role as Patron of Place2Be and marked Children’s Mental Health Week, whose theme this year was This Is My Place, centered on a sense of belonging

Jeans are a wardrobe must-have for many people no matter the time of year, but as we edge towards spring there’s a way to give denim a springlike twist. Colourful jeans are a big 2026 denim trend but this won’t be for everyone and Duchess Sophie has already shown us another alternative to blue jeans that’s much more versatile.

Last April she visited Surrey Docks Farm after becoming the new patron of Social Farms and Gardens. Unlike the Princess of Wales, the Duchess doesn’t often wear denim for engagements.

She made an exception here for a pair of Paige wide-leg jeans and I’m very glad she did. They were a soft sandy colour that almost exactly matched her Eleventy wool-blend blazer and complemented her white and beige striped T-shirt too.

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Like white jeans, Sophie’s trousers felt a little brighter and smarter than blue denim and yet the colour is simpler to style. White jeans can look a little too stark depending on what you wear them with and they’re often considered to be less forgiving than darker colours.

The Duchess of Edinburgh’s latte-toned jeans fall somewhere in between and are so neutral that they’d work with any colour top, shoes or jacket so are a breeze to style. The shade has a softness to it and you could mistake her Paige jeans for tailored trousers when worn with her crisp blazer.

The flowy silhouette helped with this and the best wide-leg jeans are simultaneously comfortable and elegant which is why this is such a handy shape to own.

For her visit to Surrey Docks Farm, Duchess Sophie went for a smart-casual outfit and left her striped T-shirt draped loosely over the waistband of her jeans. Her single-breasted blazer was left open and she finished off the look with adidas suede trainers.

Plain white trainers are great with any colour denim, but her soft beige-grey pair tied in with the jeans. This sense of cohesion made the trainers feel more sophisticated than sporty and this was ideal for a royal engagement ensemble.

Pale brown or camel jeans like the Duchess of Edinburgh’s could also be paired with tan boots or loafers and sandals later on in the year too. They just feel a little more springlike and put-together than your typical blue denim styles without losing any of the versatility.

The King’s sister-in-law went on to pack her Paige pair when she travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo in September 2025. On this occasion she wore them with a muted khaki shirt and practical walking boots as she joined MONUSCO forces for a peace keeping engagement.

This was a far cry from her visit to Surrey Docks Farm, which is a working city farm and charity that helps the local community to learn about farming, food production and the environment. The April day was sunny but not hugely warm, meaning her blazer was definitely necessary.

This can often be the case in spring and even parts of summer in the UK so incorporating lighter or brighter shades into your outfits is a way to add a seasonal twist whilst still being warm enough. At least with jeans like Sophie’s you can enjoy wearing them now and use knitwear and layers to give you the added cosiness.

There are so many fashion colour trends for the upcoming season that I’m already excited about but neutral tones will always be integral to a spring capsule wardrobe. They are the most versatile and easy to style, though they can also be striking.

Duchess Sophie just attended a Windsor Castle reception for paid and unpaid carers wearing a full monochrome outfit and it instantly stood out. Her dress was black with large white polka dots running all over it and although the Princess of Wales is the royal we most associate with this print, Sophie loves a spotty frock too.

The Duchess is usually drawn to micro-dots, but this design was far bolder and accentuated the contrast between the colours.

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Sometimes black and white can look quite stark and wearing monochrome without looking severe is a skill. Sophie took the approach of going for her favourite ultra feminine silhouette with draped sleeves.

These sleeves were also semi-sheer, which softened the black and white tones and gave the entire look a bit more dimension. Even if semi-sheer fabrics aren’t for you, going for flowy shapes or lighter materials can also help to make monochrome colours look less harsh.

A pattern like polka dots also naturally breaks things up a bit so it’s the perfect pairing for black and white designs. Unlike splashy florals or certain animal prints which can take a little more time and consideration to style, spots are one of the most versatile patterns - especially when they’re neutral.

The Duchess of Edinburgh could’ve added any colour accessories or jackets and they would have complemented her dress. As it was, we sadly didn’t get a glimpse of her shoes but she kept the rest of her ensemble very minimal, going for a dainty necklace and tiny drop earrings.

The colours and the pattern already drew the eye, so this approach ensured they remained the focus. I would imagine she wore timeless black court shoes to the event, though in spring/summer these could easily be swapped for white trainers or sandals.

Monochrome shades and polka dots can be dressed up or down with ease which gives you a lot more freedom to enjoy wearing your items at different occasions and times of day. Sticking to silhouettes that you know you love also helps ensure that you can get maximum use out of your pieces.

The Duchess of Edinburgh loves this style of fit and flare dress, so it makes sense that she stuck with this shape when she chose a more statement frock. Duchess Sophie’s outfit felt chic and understated, which was perfect for a reception that was all about honouring the inspirational work of paid and unpaid carers rather than putting the royals in the limelight.

She was pictured chatting with guests, as were Queen Camilla and King Charles, who shared a special message ahead of the event.

"[To] those who provide care - whether you wear a uniform or simply the clothes you felt able to pull on in the morning - please know that the great love you show in small ways every day is an example and an inspiration to us all. It is our duty, in return, to ensure it is never taken for granted nor forgotten," he declared.

The Duchess of Edinburgh has plenty of sleek, tailored coats in her collection but when the temperatures really plummet there’s a much more casual style she reaches for instead. She recently travelled to Méribel in France and met athletes across all three services and disciplines in her role as patron of the UK Armed Forces Winter Sports Association charity.

This called for her cosiest coat and Duchess Sophie wore a black hooded puffer as she gave an inspiring speech to over 300 attendees. We might be excited to get back wearing trench coats and jackets again, but the February weather has other ideas and a puffer is such a useful piece to have in your winter capsule wardrobe.

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They’re designed for maximum warmth and comfort, yet can still look incredibly stylish. The Duchess’s jacket had a luxurious faux fur trim on the hood that transformed it from a traditional, more functional item, into something with some flair.

Going for a plain black jacket like hers is a clever choice as something this neutral is simple to style and goes with any other colour. Darker shades like black, brown or grey also hide any marks better which is a bonus.

With longer puffers that can sometimes be a bit bulky, you can add more definition to the silhouette with the addition of a belt. Alternatively, shorter styles like Duchess Sophie’s finish around or just below the waist and this can be very leg-elongating. Like when you’re weighing up how to style a trench, different lengths can often complement different outfits.

I would advise pairing a short puffer with shorter skirts/dresses, whilst long-line coats look great with midi-length pieces, though trousers and jeans work effortlessly with either. The Duchess of Edinburgh wore black trousers, a black and white patterned jumper and a purple UKAFWSA bobble hat for this event in Méribel celebrating 75 years of the charity.

This largely monochrome outfit was understated and warm, yet still elegant. As well as delivering a speech, Duchess Sophie presented salvers to the Head of ESF in Méribel, Marc Bourreau, the President of Méribel Tourism, Florence Surelle, and the Head of Ski Racing, Yannick Favieres.

These were in recognition of 20 years of the Inter Services Snowsport Championships and the royal took to the slopes herself a few days later.

Dressed in ski gear, she joined the athletes of the Armed Forces Para Snowsport Team during the UKAFWSA competition and they all looked like they had a great time. The snowy conditions in Méribel meant that the King’s sister-in-law needed a coat that was more heavy duty and so this was a rare opportunity to see her in something as relaxed as a puffer.

Although you can wear them over more formal ensembles if you want to, they are an ideal everyday, casual coat. We don’t get too many glimpses of the royals in low-key attire as even their jeans are elevated with blazers to make smart-casual outfits.

I can imagine Duchess Sophie reaching for this puffer when she’s out and about near her Bagshot Park home, whilst saving her tailored coats for royal engagements.

The Duchess of Edinburgh has got a new go-to combination for evening events and it’s simple yet glamorous. Just a few days after she stepped out in her teal satin Galvin frock with a sleek updo to the premiere of Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision, Duchess Sophie attended a royal reception wearing a slinky silk dress with a similar hairstyle.

The event was held in honour of local and regional government employees and Sophie looked stunning in her metallic mocha-brown Armani dress. She’s owned this since at least 2024 and the silhouette couldn’t be more classic. It’s got a rounded neckline, long sleeves and skims the body, falling to an elegant midi-length.

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Delicate ruching on the bodice brought some added shaping and the sheen of the silk made it feel so luxurious. Pure silk items are an investment, but satin dresses can be a much more affordable alternative and this material also has this shimmery finish.

Silk and satin instantly feel elevated and bring this quality to a look, even if they’re not the entire look. Satin or silk skirts and wool jumpers are a lovely date night outfit for winter, though if you want to go all-out like the Duchess, a dress makes a statement.

Duchess Sophie steered away from her usual most-worn colours like pink and white and this Armani midi was a metallic mocha-brown instead. Whilst brighter colours really showcase satin and silk textures, neutral tones like this do so in a more understated way.

They’re also easier to style with other colours which makes them a lot more versatile. The King’s sister-in-law continued the low-key theme with the rest of her ensemble, going for a few carefully selected pieces of gold and rose-gold jewellery.

Sophie’s blonde tresses were swept back into a bun at the nape of her neck. This is exactly how she wore her hair for the premiere of Finding Harmony and although you might think soft waves would be more glamorous, this did the trick perfectly.

Updos are great for keeping your hair out of your face as you chat to people at an event and the more sleek you go, the more sophisticated and curated they look. The Duchess of Edinburgh’s style also meant you could see the neckline and gorgeous ruching on her dress too.

I would also recommend a bun like hers if you’ve got a high neck dress or - the polar opposite - an off-shoulder dress. With the former it means that your frock remains the star of the show and with the latter, it highlights the neckline and your decolletage.

A bun doesn’t take a huge amount of time either compared to curling or straightening your hair and so makes getting ready a much quicker process. Add in a silky dress like Duchess Sophie’s and you’ve got yourself a glamorous outfit in no time.

Satin or silk skirts or trousers are a chic alternative to dresses and can be made more casual with knitwear and boots. After all, not everyone has as many formal events in their calendars as Sophie! She was one of several royals who attended the reception at St James’s Palace on 3rd February and King Charles and Queen Camilla also helped honour the work of employees of local and regional governments who serve UK communities.

As someone who’s a big fan of boots, my shoe collection is distinctly lacking in comfy, wearable options and it won’t be long before these are what I really want to be wearing. There are so many spring/summer shoe trends emerging for 2026 already but Duchess Sophie is the latest royal to invest in a particular style that’s far more classic.

She stepped out in the Penelope Chilvers Gamine shoes in tan suede for a visit to the University of Surrey on 28th January and as soon as I saw them, I thought of Kate and Carole Middleton. The Princess of Wales and her mum have Emmy London Josie block heels and Carole’s pair is a very similar shade to Sophie’s shoes.

Kate just wore chocolate-toned higher Josies for a day of engagements in Northern England and if these recent appearances are telling me anything, it’s that tan or brown block-heeled shoes are a must for spring.

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The Duchess of Edinburgh’s Gamine shoes are sadly almost sold out right now, having dropped to £66 in sale, though that doesn’t stop me from admiring their timeless design. They have a mid-height block heel that adds elevation whilst still being sturdy and comfy to wear in the day.

Tan and suede are an unbeatable combination too, as the warm undertones of the colour complements the softness of the material. Plus, as a neutral, tan works with pretty much any outfit and looks especially gorgeous with lighter hues whilst black can look too stark.

This is great news as we edge towards a new season, as many of the big fashion colour trends for spring/summer 2026 are either pastel or bright. Tan itself is set to have a real moment this year and woman&home’s Digital Fashion Ecommerce Editor, Caroline Parr, thinks it’s an easy shade to incorporate into outfits.

"Whilst it's a much softer alternative to black, it's also really easy to work into your wardrobe. Tan shoes will work with everything from black and white outfits, to colours like burgundy and khaki. The blocky heel on Sophie's style is much more manageable than a stiletto, too," she explains.

The Duchess styled her shoes with a dark green tailored suit and a purple satin shirt - an unusual colour combination she’s loved for years. Carole Middleton’s tan suede Emmy London heels got two outings in summer 2024 and she wore them with two different floral dresses to Wimbledon.

You can never go wrong with neutral shoes, especially when you’re wearing patterns which immediately draw the eye.

Something like Carole’s ensemble would be wonderful for a wedding or a summer event like Ascot or, as she proved, Wimbledon. Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales’s block heeled suede shoes were styled in a more tonal, formal way on 27th January.

She wore chocolate brown Josies with a higher heel that had a very leg-elongating effect, and paired them with a head-to-toe brown ensemble. These are just one of the many pairs of Josie heels owned by Kate and although the colour was darker than Carole’s shoes, it’s still equally wearable and a step away from black.

Even if block heels aren’t for you, brown or tan flat shoes like loafers or ballet pumps would finish off so many spring/summer outfits in an elegant way.

Winter isn't over but we're already thinking about spring styling and nothing brightens up a grey day quite like a pop of colour. This year's spring/summer fashion colour trends are more vibrant than the traditional pastels and Duchess Sophie just wore another shade that would be perfect for winter-into-spring. She was one of several royals who attended the Windsor Castle premiere of the new documentary, 'Finding Harmony: A King's Vision' on 28th January.

Instead of shopping for a new frock, Sophie re-wore her eye-catching satin Galvan Margot dress. The high-necked piece has three quarter length sleeves and skims the body, flowing down to midi-length. This year the brand has brought out the Margot in a fresh, melon-green but the Duchess of Edinburgh's version is a deep teal.

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In some lights it appears more of a true bottle green, though there's a definite blue undertone. Whichever way you look at it, though, this shade isn't something we often see Sophie wear. She's a big fan of pink, burgundy, forest green and pastel blue, so it's lovely to see her pushing her fashion boundaries by revisiting this 2020 frock.

Though I doubt the Duchess is particularly focused on emulating the big spring/summer fashion trends for this year, high shine fabrics are set to be big and satin is one of the most understated ways to get on board with this. The sheen feels inherently luxurious even though you can pick up satin pieces quite affordably and teal and other jewel-colours complement the finish best.

Although the Royal Family are known for colour-matching their accessories to their outfits, Sophie took a different styling approach for the premiere. Her Dior court shoes were black suede with a rose gold heel and she wore a rose-gold and diamond Chopard bracelet.

Because teal is a little darker than other popular hues for 2026 like red, feel-good greens and sunshine yellow, the contrast against black shoes doesn’t look too stark. It also works with tan, white and cream which makes it surprisingly versatile for such a bold shade.

I personally love teal with denim and a teal shirt or jumper would be a far more casual way to take inspiration from Duchess Sophie’s outfit. The last time she stepped out in this Galvan piece was in July 2022 at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony and she went without a jacket and wore minimal jewellery to let the frock do all the talking.

The senior royal doesn’t seem to limit herself to wearing her teal satin dress in a specific season, so it’s perfectly possible that we could see it again in 2026.

If history were to repeat itself more exactly, Duchess Sophie could even bring it back for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this summer.

It’s a timeless and striking outfit and she looked glamorous as she chatted with the array of stars who also attended the premiere, including Dame Judi Dench and Benedict Cumberbatch. The Royal Foundation and Prime Video documentary film will be released on Friday 6th February and will outline King Charles’s philosophy of harmony, as seen in the work of the RF.

At a time when we’re more conscious than ever about not wasting money on purchases we regret, Duchess Sophie’s tried and tested approach makes a lot of sense. Anyone who’s followed the Duchess of Edinburgh’s style for a while would probably have recognised the scarlet dress she wore earlier in January for the simple reason that she’s worn this design before.

The red colourway is a new addition to her wardrobe for 2026, yet this is actually the fifth Beulah London Yahvi Dress that Sophie owns. Fiery reds are a big spring/summer fashion colour trend and she got ahead of the curve when she wore this frock to the UNA-UK conference to mark the 80th anniversary of the UN’s founding.

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The brand still makes the Yahvi design in three of the other colours we’ve seen Duchess Sophie in before - lemon, cream and blue. She also has it in pink and all this goes to show that the old advice about not buying one piece in several colours isn’t necessarily worth following.

Of course, buying one T-shirt in eighteen colours, for example, is a bit much. However, the King’s sister-in-law has been more selective with each of her dresses and has shown us several key pointers to follow when you’re weighing up whether to invest in multiples.

For a start, pretty much all of the shades Sophie’s bought are genuinely some of her most-worn. The cream, blue and pink are particularly *her* colours and we’ve seen the Duchess of Edinburgh wear the yellow Yahvi to Trooping the Colour before.

Red is a rarer choice for her, though she’s been really loving burgundy recently so perhaps it’s a colour that she’s looking to wear more of. Whether you love pastels, neutrals or dark hues, it’s important to stick to colours you already wear loads when you’re buying multiples. This way, you can be confident you have a lot of options to pair with them and will get use out of your new purchases.

The Duchess’s dress is also timeless and in-keeping with both her signature style and her lifestyle. The Yahvi design features a rounded neckline, long fluted sleeves ending in frilled cuffs and delicate covered buttons running down the side of the skirt.

They’re made from wool which is practical and for someone like Sophie who wears either smart-casual outfits or formalwear, this sophisticated, polished design is perfect. Her five frocks work for everything from garden parties to engagements.

If shirt, jeans and blazer outfits are more your thing then multiple tops or jackets would be more up your street, or the same pair of gorgeous-fitting trousers if you love tailoring. As long as the designs are classic and they work for your everyday life, you’ve ticked some more boxes.

The Duchess of Edinburgh tends to wear each of her Yahvi dresses with court shoes and minimal jewellery, keeping the focus on them. When she’s attending a big royal occasion like Trooping the Colour she’ll wear a matching hat and the shoes and bag will either be a muted beige tone or coordinate with the frock.

Last May, Sophie stepped out in head-to-toe pastel blue for a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey, on the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. On the other hand, her heels and Isabel Marant bag on 17th January were tan and this complemented and contrasted against her cherry-red dress.

The royals’ style is all about timelessness and yet one of the biggest spring/summer fashion colour trends for 2026 couldn’t be more perfect for Duchess Sophie. Blush pink is set to have a resurgence and if there’s a pastel pink outfit to be worn, you know the Duchess of Edinburgh will be the one stepping out in it.

Look back at her ensembles over the years and you’ll notice just how much Sophie loves blossom hues and she wears them for both engagements and more low-key outings. If you’re wanting to switch up your winter capsule wardrobe with a few spring-like colours but don’t want to be cold, Sophie has the answer - jumpers.

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Just because you’re wrapped up warm doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy pastel hues and the senior royal has several knits in her collection. Last year at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, the Duchess wore a light crew-neckline sweater with a pleated white midi skirt and long navy overcoat.

Yes, this event took place in May, but with a thicker coat and knee-high boots you could easily recreate a similar outfit that’s more wintery. She wore a very similar outfit with a ruffle-necked pink jumper to the Westmorland County Show in 2021 and Sophie showcased a simple way to style blush pink when it’s not the primary outfit colour.

Lighter neutrals like white, cream and tan complement pastel pinks without overwhelming them, whereas black or grey can often be too stark. A pink jumper and white jeans outfit would be gorgeous for late winter into spring, or you could style a pastel skirt or trousers with a white knit.

The key - as Duchess Sophie has shown - is to go for soft contrasts and this way the blush pink is balanced and looks elegant. Of course, as a fan of pink, she’s often gone all-out with the colour and made a statement too.

When the King’s sister-in-law opts for a pink look for formal events, she typically matches her accessories to her dress. We saw this at a service of Thanksgiving for Queen Elizabeth in 2022 and at the Order of the Garter service last June.

A pink clutch, hat and shoes finished off these ensembles in style and the royals all love incorporating colour coordination to give a polished feel. This head-to-toe approach with blush pink won’t be for everyone, no matter how much of a trend it is, so I’d advise going for the same light neutrals as she did at the Windsor Horse Show.

Alternatively, if you’re already considering wedding guest outfits for the coming months, why not pair a blush pink frock, skirt or jumpsuit with metallics? Gold, silver and rose gold all work beautifully with pastels and if you want maximum impact, pick whichever one echoes the undertones of your outfit.

Gold and rose gold tend to be warmer, whilst silver is cool-toned. With patterned pink clothing you can have even more fun and choose shoes, bags and jackets that tie in with another of the colours. The Duchess of Edinburgh has also done this before and it looks equally put-together.

As spring edges closer, I can only imagine how many pink outfit pieces Sophie will be spotted wearing and until then, knitwear and layering items are great to get ahead of the trend.

We often admire the Princess of Wales for having an ageless style but Duchess Sophie is another royal whose fashion staples are as classic as it gets. Both women love tailoring and the Duchess of Edinburgh marked her 30th birthday back in 1995 in a checked blazer that she could easily re-wear to this day.

As she celebrates her 61st birthday on 20th January, we couldn't help looking back at this original grey blazer, which she styled with straight-leg black trousers and a cosy white knit. Sophie wasn't a working royal then and so she spent her birthday at her PR job, though the addition of chunky gold necklaces brought some birthday glamour to her ensemble.

The jacket was undeniably the star of the show and was oversized and double-breasted, with structured shoulders. Coincidentally the pale grey colour is a big fashion colour trend for 2026 and this is a testament to how timeless her style is.

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It might have a reputation for being boring, but grey is an underrated neutral as it can be warm or cool-toned and is a softer alternative to black and works with light colours too. The Duchess of Edinburgh still wears a lot of grey when she wants a pared-back look and this blazer had a subtle checked pattern for a touch of detail.

The boxy shape added to the power suit feel and Sophie wore the blazer done up which accentuated this. If the Duchess was going to bring back this jacket - or one of her similar styles - for her 61st birthday I would expect her to go for similar or matching trousers instead of the contrasting black pair she wore back then.

This is a small way her tailoring has shifted over the years, and it's easy to see why. A full co-ord instantly looks polished because of the cohesion and they take little effort to style as you already know the basis of your outfit.

If you don't have any blazers in your winter capsule wardrobe, it's worth considering adding a thicker option that will keep you warm as well as looking chic.

Underneath her jacket Sophie wore a high-neck white ribbed jumper and a tan crossbody bag and black leather boots completed her 30th birthday ensemble. She dressed on the smarter side as she was going to work, though jeans and blazer outfits can also be given a cold weather twist with knitwear and different fabrics and they're a bit more casual.

We can't help hoping to see a similar (dare we say, the same) jacket worn by the Duchess of Edinburgh for her 61st birthday if she's spotted out and about.

She owns another grey checked blazer by Vince which she wore in 2024 for a visit to the opening of the Domaine Evremond Winery and this would look equally lovely with a roll neck jumper and boots. Since becoming a senior royal, clutch bags and daintier jewellery have been her go-tos and she tends to favour sleek heeled boots too.

In the past, Duchess Sophie has undertaken engagements on her birthday, but otherwise she marks the occasion privately with her birthday outfit left unknown and unseen by fans.

For many people, January signals a fresh start and the Princess of Wales has been feeling reflective, marking her 44th birthday with a video paying tribute to nature and expressing how "deeply grateful" she is. Kate's big day came just before the one-year anniversary of her announcing she was in remission and whilst she's spoken of how much Prince William supported her throughout her treatment, he's not the only royal who rallied around her.

The Princess is widely reported to have called Duchess Sophie a "tower of strength" and royal expert Jennie Bond can easily envision how much "comfort" she'd have been.

"I'm sure it's been a comfort for the princess to know that Sophie was on hand during the last difficult couple of years. After all, Sophie had her own serious health problems with an ectopic pregnancy and then a very difficult birth," the former BBC Royal Correspondent explained.

Jennie believes the two women have a "lot in common" and thinks the Duchess of Edinburgh was an "invaluable mentor" for the Princess as she learned the ropes of royal life. Nowadays they're both highly experienced and their bond has evolved, moving away from an aunt/niece mentoring relationship into a close friendship.

The expert said, "I think they're now much more like friends than aunt and niece, and the two of them have established a very solid friendship which will serve our future Queen well in years to come."

"Life has thrown these two women together quite randomly, and landed them on what must have seemed like an alien planet at first," Jennie also shared recently. "The rest of us can only imagine what it must be like to find yourself suddenly inside palace walls."

Sophie and Kate might not typically do engagements together but when they're at royal events like Ascot or the Order of the Garter ceremony they're often spotted chatting together. Their age-gap friendship has flourished (the Duchess is 17 years older) and coming from similar backgrounds might have helped cement it.

Both of them dated their now-husbands for many years before marrying into the Royal Family and had middle-class upbringings. They have a knack for connecting with people and showing the relatable side of the royals, all whilst raising their children.

The traditional royal "stiff upper lip" has become a thing of the past in recent years, partly thanks to the two women. From Kate's unfaltering honesty about her cancer treatment to Sophie laying a comforting arm on her back on Remembrance Sunday in 2024, they aren't afraid to show emotion or let their guard down in public.

The Wales and Edinburgh families are based near each other, with Kate and William now settled at Forest Lodge and Prince Edward and Sophie living at Bagshot Park a 15 minute drive away. It helps when your friends live close by and their kids are understood to get on well.

Lady Louise Windsor reportedly taught Princess Charlotte how to draw at Balmoral when she was younger and Kate has seemingly got a few tips from Sophie's parenting approach.

"Kate is said to admire the way Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, are raising their children [Louise and James, Earl of Wessex] in the bosom of the Royal Family but prepared for life in the real world," Katie Nicholl alleged in her book, The New Royals.

Unlike the Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Edinburgh rarely steps out in trainers but she made an exception for one of her first engagements of 2026. Showcasing her sporting skills in a training session at England Hockey, Sophie needed shoes that were practical, comfy and stylish.

Her trainers of choice ticked all these boxes and whilst they could still count as white trainers, the pops of yellow and pink on the adidas Ultraboost 5 shoes brightened up the grey winter day. The Duchess’s trainers come in various colours - including neutrals - though she loves bringing some fun to her style with vibrant shades like this and the rest of her outfit was black and navy.

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Featuring a textile upper and lining, the Ultraboost trainers are known for their cushioning and for being very lightweight. Designed for running, this makes total sense and woman&home’s Health Editor, Grace Walsh, considers them to be one of the best running shoes around right now.

"Whether you're playing hockey or going for a jog, I'd recommend the adidas Ultraboost range for a breathable and comfortable feel and as one of the best running trainers," she says. "Despite being well cushioned, alleviating pressure from the knees and hips, they are lighter in weight than other running shoes, making it feel easier to move."

Like plenty of other activewear pieces, like workout leggings and fleeces, they can also be worn with casual everyday attire as well as for doing sports. In that case, I would usually advise going for a more pared-back colourway like all white or black and white, as these are easier to style with a range of other shades and items.

However, Sophie’s colourful sneakers were a playful alternative and she wasn’t worried about perfect colour-matching whilst she was throwing herself into the hockey session. These trainers were her second pair of shoes for this visit, as she arrived wearing Aquazzurra Manzoni boots.

Falling somewhere between knee-high boots and low ankle boots, they came up relatively high on the leg and were made of black suede. The block heel was incredibly chic and elegant, though it’s no surprise that the Duchess of Edinburgh didn’t fancy keeping these boots on for hockey.

She generally didn’t change the rest of her outfit and wore navy tailored trousers, a collarless black Helmut Lang blazer and a black fitted roll-neck jumper. Sophie added a dainty gold necklace and wore a checked Aquascutum lambswool scarf when she first arrived at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre in Marlow.

Perhaps because she wanted to avoid this getting in the way, the Duchess removed this when she took to the hockey pitch. The royal spent time with both the women and men’s squads as well as taking part in the session, and she’s been Patron of England Hockey since 2006.

Sophie isn’t the only hockey-loving royal and she’s clearly learnt from past experiences. In 2012, the Princess of Wales took part in a hockey match at St Andrew’s School in Pangbourne whilst still wearing her heeled boots. Although she rose to the challenge magnificently, nowadays trainers are the go-to choice for most sporting engagements.

The royals have their go-to winter outfits like anyone else, though we only tend to see the more formal pairings of tailored coats and knee-high boots. This combination is perfect for smart-casual outings or when you want to feel especially put-together.

However, even they stray from this formula occasionally and Duchess Sophie’s shearling jacket is a more relaxed alternative that still looks chic. She wore an Indi & Cold reversible shearling jacket for a visit to The Lighthouse to help volunteers in December 2021 and it’s such a different option for her that it sticks out in my mind.

Shearling or borg-lined jackets feel so cosy and come back into fashion winter after winter, no matter what other winter coat trends are around. They’re usually neutral which always helps boost an item’s versatility and the Duchess of Edinburgh wore her jacket with the cream shearling on the inside.

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The outside was bolder, with a micro dogtooth pattern, though the brown and grey hues meant it was still simple to style. It had buttons running down the front and a lapel collar, as well as buttoned cuffs to minimise the amount of cold air that could get in.

The straight silhouette meant it was great for layering over knitwear and Duchess Sophie wore a chestnut-brown jumper with her outerwear. This was a roll-neck, ribbed design and although the shade of brown didn’t match the jacket’s dogtooth pattern, it was within the same colour palette and complemented it.

The senior royal showcased a blend of style and practicality with these pieces, as the jumper provided warm coverage that balanced out the lower V-neckline of her jacket. Although you could easily add a scarf instead if you love crew neck jumpers, with a chunkier shearling or borg jacket, going for a streamlined high-neck jumper instead can look more sleek and put-together.

If you wanted something like Sophie’s outfit to wear in the snow you could also add a thermal top under the jumper for extra warmth, and thermal leggings under your trousers. This is easier to do with wide-leg designs and the Duchess of Edinburgh went for what look to be wide trousers for her visit to The Lighthouse.

They could easily pass for indigo jeans too and I’d advise going for denim over tailored trousers to make this kind of winter style more casual. Sophie finished off her ensemble with her Prada ankle boots which had a sturdy block heel and gently pointed toe.

The colour of her shoes matched her jumper and this cohesion tied the whole look together. She didn’t carry a bag during this visit but I can imagine her sticking to the theme and picking out a tan clutch or shoulder bag if one was needed.

Sadly, this engagement in December 2018 was the one and only time we’ve seen the Duchess of Edinburgh wear her shearling jacket publicly, though that could simply be because it is a more casual design.

Sophie looked polished yet not too formal as she helped volunteers to serve food and drinks and made care packages for children. The Lighthouse is a community hub that hosts a variety of creative projects to support, encourage and empower those in need. The Duchess became their Patron in 2022 and regularly gives time volunteering there.

Duchess Sophie is a constant source of style inspiration for us here at woman&home. But her latest look has got to be one of our favourite to date, with a gorgeous outfit that nails quiet luxury for winter.

Attending the Sunday Church Service in Sandringham on 28 December, she brought a winter-ready touch to floral prints by wearing Lexy London’s Deborah dress, whose collection of muted red, burnt orange and dusty pink shades perfectly updated its floral pattern for this cold season.

Leaning into a cosy, seasonal look, she accessorised the statement dress with her go-to Sinatra suede boots from Penelople Chilvers. In a soft, biscuit-toned suede, the knee high style was the perfect addition to the look, with the soft texture creating a winter-ready look and the muted brown colour complementing the tones of her floral dress. A wide-brimmed fedora was a practical and chic finishing touch, with Sophie’s choice of a light beige, tailored coat by Harris Wharf London tying the warm, cosy colour palette together.

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Sophie has always had a way of taking neutral tones and elevating them into beautifully put-together outfits, with her choice of versatile, brown accessories working brilliantly against the bolder colours in her floral dress. Grounding bright colours with neutrals such as her suede boots and tailored coat is a great styling trick for the winter months, with her choice of accessories making the busy print feel effortlessly sophisticated.

Opting for soft suede textures like she has done and complementing them with matching, soft fabrics like the wool-heavy materials of her coat and fedora, highlights the winter-ready feel of her look, and also adds a practical touch as they keep her warm. Her coat, with its tie waist belt, statement collared neckline, and shin-grazing length is one of the best winter coats we’ve seen her in this season, with it perfectly complementing the length of her dress.

While her coat covered much of her outfit, Sophie wore this winter-ready ensemble earlier this month when she visited the Disability Initiative on 18 December 18, in Camberley – and we got a much better look at it then.

The floral dress needed very little accessorising to create an eye-catching style, with her elegant suede knee high boots, whose block heel and softly pointed toe makes them a versatile pair of shoes to wear everyday or as occasion wear, being all that was needed alongside her cosy, corduroy coat to create a beautiful winter outfit.

Duchess Sophie’s winter style pairs comfort and elegance beautifully. Cosy knitwear, flowing midi skirts and comfy knee high boots make for a classic combination that works all winter.

While she’s given us plenty of inspiration with her outfits this year, it’s a look from last December that we’re currently taking note of.

Visiting the Shooting Star Children’s Hospices Charity Shop in her role as Patron last Christmas, she expertly styled a festive black jumper, with long fitted sleeves and a cosy, ribbed roll neck, alongside a sleek, black gilet.

While we often see the sleeveless jacket worn with jeans and a jumper, Sophie gave it an elevated flair, styling it with an elegant black midi skirt and knee high boots.

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A gilet like Sophie’s is the kind of staple that would work in anyone’s winter capsule wardrobe. It’s ideal for when you want an extra layer over your warm knitwear without the bulk of a jacket or coat. Sophie’s colour choice lends itself to pair effortlessly with everything from jeans to tailored trousers and, of course, flowing midi skirts.

Sophie’s choice of knee high black boots worked brilliantly underneath her A-line midi skirt. Not only did she do this, we presume, to keep warm in the cool December chill, but also to create a seamless look from head to toe. We also love how the soft suede of her footwear ties into the cosy feel of the faux-fur lining the collar of her gilet – a subtle styling trick that helps pull the outfit together.

Whenever the Princess of Wales steps out for engagement or appears in a social media post, her outfits always spark a huge amount of interest. Her signature style is timeless and elegant, so it’s no surprise that many people rush to recreate her looks.

I also love seeing what she wears, though I want to take a moment for another royal fashion icon - Duchess Sophie. Her outfits often go under the radar compared to Catherine’s and yet they can be more wearable and easier to replicate.

If I had to pick an outfit that epitomises this and sums up why her style is one to watch, it would have to be her chocolate brown jumper and velvet skirt from last December. Sophie wore this pairing when she visited Disability Initiative’s resource centre in Camberley and it embraced trends that are still going strong in 2025.

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Chocolate brown and burgundy have surged in popularity once again this season and the Duchess of Edinburgh combined both in this pre-Christmas look. Her jumper is the kind of staple that would work in anyone’s winter capsule wardrobe and had a roll-neck design with ribbed detailing.

I’m a big fan of tailoring, but at this time of year what I really want to be wearing are cosy, versatile pieces like this. The rich brown tone would work with so many different shades and it perfectly complemented her ruby-red velvet skirt.

Whether you’re shopping for last-minute Christmas party outfits or winter in general, velvet is everywhere right now and it feels subtly festive. The sheen of Duchess Sophie’s skirt gave it a glamorous edge and I always think velvet’s sumptuousness really stands out when you go for jewel tones like burgundy, navy or forest green.

Something about the darker colours works so well with the material and the royal’s burgundy midi and brown knit were a chic shade pairing. She finished off her outfit with her best knee-high boots from Gianvito Rossi and the tan suede was a great choice. The contrasting textures of velvet, wool and suede added dimension and softness to the Duchess of Edinburgh’s ensemble.

What really strikes me about this particular look is how wearable it is. You could style a knit, velvet skirt and knee-highs on Christmas Day, for those tricky in-between days leading up to New Year, or throughout the rest of winter. It’s a simple but effective combination and that is what Duchess Sophie does best.

She accessorised with dainty gold jewellery and her outfit was approachable and elegant for her visit to the resource centre. Sophie has been Patron of Disability Initiative since 2003 and she threw herself into activities alongside those supported by the charity, from carolling to painting and making mince pies.

The activities were tailored to the specific needs of adults with disabilities and aimed to enhance overall well-being and quality of life. The Duchess of Edinburgh’s choice of outfit didn’t detract from the important focus of her visit and still felt chic and festive.

This year she went to Disability Initiative’s Camberley centre on 18th December and wore the same patterned red midi dress she styled for Together at Christmas 2025 a few weeks earlier.

Blazers are a clothing staple for the Royal Family all year round, but the Duchess of Edinburgh just ditched this go-to for another style that's caught my eye. She joined the people of Alderney this week to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of their Homecoming in 1945, after they had previously been evacuated to the mainland ahead of German Occupation in 1940.

Duchess Sophie delivered a message on behalf of the King and her outfit was respectful with a festive twist in the form of her velvet jacket. Like many of her favourite pieces, it's by a British clothing brand - Laurie and Jules - and the Beatriz design is tailored to perfection.

Unlike a blazer which typically has lapels and feels structured, the silhouette of this cropped jacket is still fitted yet softer and very feminine. There are pinch pleats down the front and cuffs, as well as on the stand collar too.

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It's made from cotton velvet and the distinctive sheen of this fabric instantly makes an item feel special and sumptuous. Velvet is a popular choice for autumn/winter and jewel tones like navy blue and burgundy accentuate the texture and shine most.

The Duchess of Edinburgh's navy jacket had contrasting silver buttons for a touch more glamour and metallics are the neutrals of party season. Christmas party outfits wouldn't be the same without a touch of sparkle and gold and silver accessories bring this in abundance.

Sophie could easily re-wear her velvet jacket as part of an occasionwear outfit and the beauty of this particular shape is that it's elevated without being too formal. You could throw on a collarless or stand-collar jacket with a jumper dress and knee-high boots, or make it more casual with jeans and a jumper.

Sometimes blazers can feel a bit much and their silhouettes don't always sit seamlessly over a dress or skirt. In contrast, a slightly cropped, fitted option like the Duchess's jacket can drape easily over the waistband of high-rise items or accentuate the waist when worn with a frock.

In Alderney, the senior royal paired her velvet outerwear with pink palazzo trousers by Emilia Wickstead. She loves contrasting colours (her favourite pairing is green and purple), though if you're not as much of a fan of it, go for neutral tones or jeans instead.

Duchess Sophie carried a black and tan Emilio Perera Julie Bag and she proved what I've always said about wide-leg trousers - they're a great style no matter the season. They're roomy enough to layer under in the winter and this is exactly what she did.

The Duchess of Edinburgh wore her knee-high suede Sinatra boots from Penelope Chilvers and though you could only see them from the ankle-down, they kept her cosy on this December day. Her jacket was undeniably the focal point and she’s worn this blazer alternative before, including at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

On this recent occasion she looked very smart and put-together as she spoke with the people of Alderney and delivered His Majesty’s message.

"Homecoming Day reminds us of the sacrifices made by those Islanders and the challenges they overcame when they returned to rebuild their community and their homes. It is thanks to their valiant efforts to restore the island that all those who now reside in Alderney continue to enjoy its peaceful way of life," she declared.

We have to wait until Christmas Eve to watch the Princess of Wales’s carol concert, but for fashion-lovers the day itself was a sight to behold. Every year guests go all-out and Duchess Sophie is always one to look out for.

This year she stuck to a failsafe combination of a midi dress, long coat and her best knee-high boots from Gianvito Rossi. However, this description alone doesn’t do it justice. There’s a reason the Duchess of Edinburgh is such a big fan of these items and her Together at Christmas 2025 look was exceptionally elegant, mixing burgundy, red and tan tones.

If you’re in need of Christmas party outfits that don’t involve any sequins or sparkles, something like this would be perfect. The colours felt festive but not so much that Sophie couldn’t re-wear her Alaia coat and Lexy London dress post-Christmas.

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She actually debuted her coat at Easter and it fell to maxi-length, with a streamlined silhouette and double-breasted cut. It cinches in at the waist and flares out which is a great shape if you’re wearing a flowy skirt or dress underneath like she was.

The deep burgundy colour was so rich and gorgeous, but the Duchess lifted the colour palette with her red dress and boots. Although I love a full jewel-toned outfit, going for some lighter pieces with darker colours brightens things up and gives each item more definition.

Duchess Sophie’s dress was holly berry-red with pops of blue and had a paisley-esque floral print and ruffled neckline. It reminded me of the purple paisley print dress she wore to Together at Christmas in 2024 and she also wore that with her Gianvito Rossi Piper boots.

The Lexy London frock is a wintery take on a floral dress and something like this is far more versatile than your quintessential Christmas party number. With a jumper or cardigan over the top it would become much more relaxed and yet it works just as well as a smart-casual outfit too.

The Duchess of Edinburgh wore heeled knee-highs with it and although it’s easy to think of black boots as the ultimate wearable option, I actually think tan or brown ones can be better. They are a softer alternative and work with just as many colours without being such a stark contrast.

Sophie’s boots were suede which also added texture and the warm undertones of the tan colour complemented both her burgundy coat and red dress. She accessorised with a matching dark red clutch bag from Sophie Habsburg and statement earrings.

Her outfit was elegant, low-key Christmassy and, most importantly, easy to re-style to suit different occasions outside of this event and season. I wouldn’t be surprised to see each of these clothing pieces get re-worn by the Duchess throughout winter.

Her next big festive appearance outside of engagements will of course be Christmas Day when the Royal Family walk to church from Sandringham House and back. Last year Duchess Sophie wore forget-me-not blue with brown heeled boots and the year before was a green and tan outfit.

She’ll most likely wear a colour other than burgundy or red for some variety after Together at Christmas, though her trusty Piper boots could make a reappearance.

We all know the royals love wearing a pop of colour, but Duchess Sophie’s latest look was a masterclass in styling neutrals for winter. Tans and browns have been big autumn/winter fashion colour trends for 2025 and she is fully on board with this versatile colour palette.

The Duchess of Edinburgh brought out her much-loved Gianvito Rossi Piper knee-high boots for a visit to open the new community hub at The Lighthouse Guildford on 1st December and paired them with a soft beige-cream jumper dress from Reiss.

These boots are made from sumptuous suede, with ruching and a block heel. Most of Sophie’s best knee-high boots tend to have a similar design, as she likes adding some elevation without compromising on comfort like you would with delicate stilettos.

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Like the colour brown, suede has surged in popularity recently and whilst suede boots might not be as practical for December weather as leather ones, they bring so much to your style. The texture brings softness to an outfit and this works particularly well with cosy knitwear.

Duchess Sophie is a pro at styling knee-high boots with midi-length dresses and skirts and the combination for her visit to The Lighthouse Guildford shows why it’s a failsafe. Having a longer dress or skirt draped over the top of tall boots creates an unbroken silhouette that is very leg-elongating.

It also gives you plenty of coverage to keep you cosy and the toasted pecan-brown shade of Sophie’s boots was a subtle contrast against her dress. Whilst black boots might have been quite stark, this colour complemented the warm undertones of her dress.

The colour beige has negative connotations, with many people viewing it as boring, but it doesn’t have to be. The senior royal’s Reiss Fallon dress was a pretty biscuity beige that would go with almost anything. This is one of the huge benefits of wearing neutrals - they’re easier to style as you don’t need to worry about clashing.

The Duchess of Edinburgh’s exact dress is an old season design for Reiss, though it’s a testament to its timelessness that they’ve brought out a similar one - the £170 Suni Dress this autumn/winter. Sophie’s frock almost looks like it could be a roll-neck jumper and skirt, because of the relaxed bodice and batwing sleeves leading into the more streamlined skirt.

When she arrived at The Lighthouse Guildford she was also wearing a Suzannah beige coat made from luxurious wool and featuring lapels and statement covered buttons.

She cinched in the waist with a belt and carried a tan Sophie Habsburg Paloma bag. Matching different elements within an ensemble is a trick Duchess Sophie and her fellow royals often use to give their looks a put-together feel. It also made this outfit more minimal as she stuck to just the toasted pecan and beige colours.

This was a celebration of neutral styling that could fit into anyone’s winter capsule wardrobe. She looked polished but not too formal for her visit to open the new hub. The Duchess of Edinburgh is a Patron of The Lighthouse - a community charity with hubs that host a variety of projects and initiatives to support, empower and encourage those who find themselves in need.

Nothing brightens up a dreary day like wearing a pop of colour and the Duchess of Edinburgh definitely did this when she and Prince Edward enjoyed a day at the races on 29th November. Braving the grey clouds and rain, the couple attended The Coral Gold Cup at Newbury and Sophie’s ensemble consisted of suede Sinatra knee-high boots by Penelope Chilvers - and two surprising shades.

Her long khaki coat is a piece she’s worn on Christmas Day before and she accessorised with a pink clutch and a camel hat decorated with a vibrant pink ribbon. Until I saw this look I’m not sure I’d have been brave enough to style green and raspberry pink and yet she made it look so chic.

Recreate Duchess Sophie's Outfit

The Duchess already wears a lot of green and purple, but the pink was even more statement. Because the raspberry tone was the most vivid element, Sophie incorporated it sparingly.

The ribbon on her hat was eye-catching whilst still being quite a small part of the design and her clutch bag was equally minimal. She let the rich pink colour do the talking and her green coat was an earthy khaki rather than emerald or leaf-green, which also helped with a sense of balance.

The Duchess of Edinburgh finished off her Newbury outfit with her Penelope Chilvers knee-high boots, which are currently reduced to £180, down from £359. Sophie likes to support the best British clothing brands like this when she can and her boots had a sturdy block heel and rounded toe.

They come in different shades, though hers were the caramel versions and they were a clever pairing for such a bold, colourful look. The Duchess’s neutral boots worked with both the pink and green, and were a softer contrast against them than black knee-highs would’ve been.

All-too-often we think of black boots first when we want something versatile, but lighter browns can work even better with lighter or brighter colours. The boots also tied in with the main colour of Sophie’s hat and the matching elements gave this look a cohesive, polished feel.

Even if you remain unconvinced by her example of wearing pink and green together, she’s given a masterclass in how to style clashing colours in a sophisticated way. Classic boots can be the perfect finishing touch and going for timeless silhouettes like her long, tailored coat are key.

You could go for a colourful coat with all-black clothes for a bold date night outfit, or a pair of bright trousers with a more muted jumper - the possibilities are endless, it’s just about the balance and what shades work for your signature style.

Duchess Sophie loves pink and this raspberry hue brings an instant sense of fun. She’s known for pushing boundaries when it comes to royal fashion, particularly when it comes to hats, and often goes for feather-adorned items or interesting shapes.

Whilst there are certain items - like tailored coats and knee-highs - that she relies upon to give her winter outfits a sophisticated edge, she’s not afraid to be playful with other elements. This is one of the reasons I love seeing her step out in new outfits so much - and always keep an eye on the combinations Sophie has tried and tested.

Accessories can take an outfit from pretty to stunning and the Duchess of Edinburgh proved this beyond a doubt when she attended the Biennial RIFLES Awards Dinner on 27th November. Sophie signalled that party season is well and truly here with a combination of a midnight blue velvet dress and a sparkly belt, bag and heels.

Velvet features quite heavily in my own winter capsule wardrobe. There’s something about the lustrous sheen that instantly makes a velvet item like Sophie’s dress feel special - and often brands add extra stretch for comfort. Jewel tones complement velvet and so even without the accessories, the Duchess’s frock would’ve been beautiful. With them, it felt more fun and fabulous.

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The Duchess of Edinburgh opts for knee-high boots most often in the winter when the dress code is less formal, but here she went a little smarter with L K Bennett pumps. These are an old favourite of hers and shimmer in the light without being garish.

After all, if anyone’s going to give a masterclass in making sparkles look sophisticated, it’s a royal like Sophie. She matched her shoes to her embellished Elie Saab box clutch bag and cinched in the waist of her maxi dress with a silver belt.

If you wanted to make a party outfit more understated, I’d go simple and stick to a shimmery pair of shoes and a bag. Choose a shape or design that suits your signature style best - for the Duchess this was court heels and a clutch - and go from there.

The key to a Sophie-inspired special occasion look is introducing sparkle through your accessories and letting them do all the talking - incorporating velvet is an added bonus. Like she did, you could style them with a velvet dress, and if you go for gold or silver they’ll go with so many different colours or styles.

Think of metallics like elevated neutrals - they feel statement and yet the shades actually go with pretty much anything. Cool tones work best with silver and warm with gold but it’s not a strict rule.

Duchess Sophie’s deep blue velvet dress had warm undertones and she went for silver accessories. Her jewellery was quite minimal so as not to overshadow the bag, heels and belt and she wore her blonde hair pulled back into a chic updo for the RIFLES awards dinner too.

Jewel-toned velvet and glittering accessories are a go-to for the royals as Christmas edges closer and just a few days earlier the Princess of Wales wore this combination to the 2025 Royal Variety Performance. In her case, it was an emerald-green floor-length gown and a silver clutch.

This show and the awards dinner were very formal occasions, however you can make this formula work for something more low-key like a date night outfit or relaxed party ensemble. Go for more casual silhouettes with your clothing, like a jumper and velvet wide-leg trousers, and perhaps a crossbody or shoulder bag and flats.

However you style them, accessories like Duchess Sophie’s bring festive flair without reaching for head-to-toe red, green or sequins.

The Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh might have slightly different signature styles but there are two pieces they rely on in the colder months that deserve a place in everyone’s winter capsule wardrobe. No matter what you wear with them, a longline tailored coat and knee-high boots are two items that transform a layered look into something more elegant.

Both Catherine and Sophie have quite the collection of both, yet when it comes to footwear they tend to stick to black, brown or tan. This makes total sense and when you’re shopping for the best knee-high boots you want something that can be paired with plenty of different items.

Recreate Catherine and Sophie's Combination

Neutral boots tick this box and the two royals love relatively low block heels as these maximise their wearability too. You can style them for the daytime with a warm jumper dress or dress them up as part of a date night look or, in their case, a royal visit.

The reason they work especially well with long, smart coats is all to do with the way they elongate your silhouette. One flows over the other in an unbroken line and gives your ensemble a sense of sophistication and polish.

The Princess and Duchess typically don’t dress too casually in public and a tailored, longline coat feels smart regardless of what you wear underneath. It adds elegance in a way that a comfy puffer wouldn’t and they often have crisp lapels that enhance the structured shape.

Paired with knee-high boots, you also have a lot of coverage to keep you warm on a cold winter’s day. We see Catherine and Sophie reaching for this combination regularly this time of year as they attend engagements and events like the Together at Christmas carol service.

The future Queen has some beautiful chocolate brown coats as well as scarlet ones that she wears more in the run-up to Christmas. Sophie’s coats are often paler colours, like ecru, light grey or beige, which is perhaps why she reaches for brown or tan knee-highs most.

Although you can wear black boots with any coat, they are less of a stark contrast against richer shades and this softness adds to the effect. This is why I’d recommend following the Duchess’s approach if you’re styling knee-high boots with a lighter longline coat.

Catherine also often goes for dark brown knee-high boots unless she’s opting for a red coat like the one she wore last December to her carol service. On this occasion she stepped out in black heeled boots from Ralph Lauren and matched the black bow on her coat to it.

The Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Edinburgh’s wardrobe staples for winter are a simple and stylish building block for making outfits that bit more elevated. They can be adapted to suit whatever colours and materials work best for you and whichever other items you love wearing.

Taller boots look great with dresses and skirts, though you could also tuck in fitted jeans, trousers or leggings to add to the streamlined look with a long coat.