Duchess Sophie braved the surprisingly chilly weather on Friday as she made her way to the Royal Windsor Horse Show 2026. Looking the picture of elegance, the royal donned a ‘Sloane Ranger’ coded outfit, consisting of a pair of barrel jeans, a structured tweed blazer, and she added a feminine edge with a floral blouse, which had a pie-crust neckline.
The pie-crust neckline has long been associated with the royal family, thanks to the late Princess Diana.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesKing Charles’ former wife wore the pie-crust blouse often in the 1980s. The mother of Prince William and Prince Harry was often seen sporting the style with a skirt suit, midi skirt, or pinstripe trousers.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesDiana often sported the pretty frilled collar, most memorably while styled with an outfit by Caroline Charles in 1983, and she also teamed the ruffle-neck style with a Jasper Conran look in 1981.
To celebrate the legacy of the People’s Princess in the year she would have turned 65, HELLO! is hosting an intimate live podcast event on Wednesday 24 June at the Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences in London, a five-star hotel that was visited by Diana herself as well as the then-Prince Charles, and the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip – and for just £70 (discounted tickets available for HELLO! VIP members) you can be there.
What’s included in the ticket?
- Access to HELLO!‘s royal experts Emily Nash and Andrea Camaano, and our guest speakers Ingrid Seward, Andy Webb, and Jacques Azagury, plus a Q&A with the audience
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream Afternoon Tea (valued at £85pp) while listening to the fascinating conversation
- The chance to see one of Princess Diana’s elegant dresses in person and take a photo with it
- A luxury goodie bag including beauty products from brands loved by the royals
Sophie’s baby love
During the event, Sophie was seen chatting with a fellow guest, who had a young baby in her arms. Sophie cooed over the tot, cupping its head affectionately and smiling joyously.
© James Whatling, MumbySophie’s Diana evening moment
This isn’t the first time the royal has donned a ‘Diana-coded’ look. In 2002, she wore a fabulous off-the-shoulder gown. The sumptuous black satin creation featured a ruched off-the-shoulder cut, showing her décolletage as well as a corset which gave her a magnificently streamlined shape. Sophie accessorised with a diamond necklace and drop earrings, and teased her hair into a slightly curled style.
© Getty ImagesAlthough this dress was of the floor-length variety, it reminded me of the late Princess Diana’s ‘revenge’ dress from 1994, as it featured a similar off-the-shoulder fit. King Charles’ former wife made a last-minute yet iconic outfit change for a Vanity Fair party at the Serpentine Gallery that year.
Her low-cut, figure-hugging mini dress, made by Greek designer Christina Stambolian, would go on to become one of her most memorable – dubbed the ‘revenge’ dress – since her bombshell outing was perfectly timed with the release of the then Prince Charles’ candid ITV interview with Jonathan Dimbleby, in which he confessed to being unfaithful during their marriage.