All posts tagged: The Duchess of Edinburgh

Duchess Sophie’s sheer gown may just be her boldest style move yet

Duchess Sophie’s sheer gown may just be her boldest style move yet

Published by Daniella Wilson

The Duchess of Edinburgh has a wardrobe that many of us could only dream of. The quietly fashion-savvy royal, who turned 61 earlier this year, has a plethora of designers on tap. It’s also worth noting that her range of accessories that go with her illustrious ensembles is equally as fabulous. Never one to shy away from colour or prints, the mother of two personified this somewhat daring style ethos in 2025, donning a sheer number that stole the show at Royal Ascot. Sophie loved this dress so much, she actually wore it two years running at the famed racecourse, also donning the same look in 2024. © Getty ImagesThe Duchess of Edinburgh rewore a dress that she wore to Royal Ascot the year before The sophisticated and statuesque ‘Keres’ dress, designed by the royally loved label Suzannah London, is a gorgeous lace midi number, expertly embellished with embroidered flowers. A beautifully sophisticated piece, although the frock features a high neckline, it also boasts sheer sleeves and a graduated hem, which is also see-through. Her modesty is protected …

After a week with Duchess Sophie in Zambia, her friendliness and enthusiasm stood out to me

After a week with Duchess Sophie in Zambia, her friendliness and enthusiasm stood out to me

Published by Daniella Wilson

Over breakfast at the conservation outpost, where I am the only writer on the Duchess’s five-day tour of Zambia, she tells fellow guests about waking in the small hours to find herself face to face with a hippopotamus. Asked how close it was, she recalls that it would have been no nearer if it had been sitting on the chair outside the front flap of her tent.  Duchess and hippo exchanged looks as she moved her bedsheet, the slight noise drawing the hippo’s attention. She reconsidered getting out of bed to take a closer look: they were already close enough. So began Sophie’s fourth day on a visit that has combined bringing a spotlight to serious issues, including the campaign to eradicate sight loss and work to give women a more equal footing in society, with moments of animal magic. WATCH: Enjoying a boat safari with Duchess Sophie Duchess Sophie’s friendliness and enthusiasm While I am usually following at a distance, there are moments when the Duchess’s friendliness and enthusiasm spill over. During a boat …

Duchess Sophie wakes to find a hippo outside her tent in extraordinary night-time encounter

Duchess Sophie wakes to find a hippo outside her tent in extraordinary night-time encounter

Published by Daniella Wilson

The Duchess of Edinburgh wakes in her tent at the camp at Lower Zambezi Conservation to find a pile of fresh elephant dung within sniffing distance of her door. The deposit, whose creator has wandered back into the bush or into the current of the Zambezi river, was not Sophie’s closest animal encounter of the night, however. Over breakfast at the conservation outpost, where she is staying to learn about the fight against poachers, she tells fellow guests about waking in the small hours to find herself face to face with a hippopotamus. © PA Images via Getty ImagesThe Duchess of Edinburgh plays netball as she meets young people taking part in sports and recreational activities delivered by Sport in Action Asked how close, she recalls that it would have been no nearer if it had been sitting on the chair outside her front door.  The Duchess and the wild animal exchanged looks as she moved her bedsheet, the slight noise drawing the hippo’s attention. She reconsidered getting out of bed to take a closer look: …

Duchess Sophie’s unforgettable elephant encounter on exclusive royal tour

Duchess Sophie’s unforgettable elephant encounter on exclusive royal tour

Published by Daniella Wilson

The Duchess of Edinburgh is animated with excitement as she steps onto the banks of the Zambezi. Sophie has just finished a boat safari on the river that divides Zambia and Zimbabwe and is seized by the magic of viewing elephants in their natural habitat. “That was the first time I’ve seen more than one elephant at a time!” she tells wildlife guides who have helped her come ashore. “It’s so amazing just how peaceful they are.” © PA Images via Getty ImagesThe Duchess of Edinburgh travels along the Zambezi River by boat to see the wildlife protected by Conservation Lower Zambezi It is all the more profound an experience for having missed a safari that the Duke of Edinburgh and their son James, Earl of Wessex, enjoyed several years ago. James tried to spare his mother’s feelings by downplaying what he and his father had seen. Asked by his mother what they saw, he replied diffidently: “Some elephants.” Sophie has now seen a herd of her own. “I didn’t know that elephants could swim!” …

On tour with Duchess Sophie in Zambia and new Princess Diana exhibition

On tour with Duchess Sophie in Zambia and new Princess Diana exhibition

Published by Daniella Wilson

© PA Images via Getty ImagesThe Duchess of Edinburgh is in Zambia Good morning from me, Rachel, I’m here to bring you all the latest royal news this morning. First up, let’s recap on the stories that dropped overnight. Our Senior Editor and Writer, Jack Malvern, is currently on tour with the Duchess of Edinburgh in Zambia and he’s filled us in on exactly what the royal has been up to. Sophie was forced to carry out her first engagement in what she called her “aeroplane clothes” after the royal baggage was delayed, but that didn’t stop her enjoying the display from dancers at the British High Commission. The 61-year-old is in the country to highlight the work of causes close to her heart, one of them being tackling preventable sight loss. At an event hosted by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness and the eye-care charity Orbis, Sophie took to the lecturn for an impassioned speech. She said: “I used to say that actually eye health was life-threatening. I still believe it …

Duchess Sophie remains in good humour as royal tour begins with travel mishap

Duchess Sophie remains in good humour as royal tour begins with travel mishap

Published by Daniella Wilson

Missing luggage might unsettle even the most experienced traveller, but the Duchess of Edinburgh experienced an unexpected start to her Zambia tour in her stride. Sophie carried out her first engagement in what she called her “aeroplane clothes” after the royal baggage was mislaid. The dancers welcoming her at the British High Commission, however, performed with undiminished enthusiasm. It was an eventful beginning to a five-day visit combining the work of strengthening British relations with the southern African Commonwealth country and championing causes close to the duchess’s heart. HELLO!, the only publication with a royal correspondent accompanying Sophie on the tour, witnessed the warmth and humour she brings to both. And while her programme includes business leaders, education projects and an important appeal for better eye care, one particularly memorable encounter involved some rather unusual residents of the presidential grounds. © PA Images via Getty ImagesThe Duchess of Edinburgh with Mutinta Hichilema (centre), First Lady of Zambia and British High Commissioner to Zambia Rebecca Terzeon (left) at Community House in Lusaka, during her tour of Zambia …

Duchess Sophie is poised in figure-skimming skirt

Duchess Sophie is poised in figure-skimming skirt

Published by Daniella Wilson

The Duchess of Edinburgh has reigned supreme in the sustainable style stakes this week, recycling one of the hardest-working items in her royal wardrobe for a visit to Capability Scotland. Turning to trusted brand Penelope Chilvers, Prince Edward’s wife opted for the silk blue puff-sleeve blouse, which she often uses as an elevated alternative to a trusty T-shirt. She previously styled the versatile piece with pinstripe trousers at the Royal Windsor Flower Show in June and a denim skirt for The Groundswell Festival in July. On 14 August, she paired it with a figure-skimming tan pencil skirt and espadrilles, which were also a repeat wear from Penelope Chilvers.  © GettyThe Duchess of Edinburgh wore a Penelope Chilvers silk blouse during a visit to Capability Scotland in Edinburgh Stepping out just one day after her son, James, Earl of Wessex, announced his university plans, the Duchess met with volunteers and staff to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Scottish charity, which provides care, support, and education for disabled people. While she kept elements of her look …

James, Earl of Wessex’s decision about royal titles seemingly confirmed by palace

James, Earl of Wessex’s decision about royal titles seemingly confirmed by palace

Published by Daniella Wilson

Buckingham Palace appears to have confirmed that James, Earl of Wessex, will not take on royal titles ahead of going to university. It was revealed on Thursday, that James – the son of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh – had successfully achieved the necessary A-level grades to attend the Royal Agricultural University. © WireImageJames and his sister Lady Louise have been brought up away from the public eye “The Earl of Wessex will be going to the Royal Agricultural University to study Rural Land & Property Management. He will head straight there without taking a year out,” the official statement from Buckingham Palace read. As the official statement referred to James as the Earl of Wessex, rather than, His Royal Highness, this would imply he has no plans on taking on an official royal role. James is a grandson of the late Queen Elizabeth, which means it is his birthright to publicly adopt a royal title or his HRH titles. © POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesLady Louise also doesn’t use her royal titles But it …

Duchess Sophie was a real-life Barbie in pink satin ballgown she wouldn’t wear today

Duchess Sophie was a real-life Barbie in pink satin ballgown she wouldn’t wear today

Published by Daniella Wilson

The Duchess of Edinburgh steers towards floaty silhouettes and soft fabrics today, building a reputation for her elegant style. But before marrying into the royal family, Sophie (nee Rhys-Jones) was more experimental with her wardrobe, as evidenced by her waist-hugging satin ballgown in 1994. Arriving at the Ball in Cowes, the Isle of Wight with her then-boyfriend Prince Edward, Sophie channelled Barbie in a floor-length gown with a sweetheart neckline, spaghetti straps and a basque waist. The fitted bodice was covered with black embroidery, while the pastel pink material gathered at the hips and fell into a voluminous princess skirt. WATCH: Duchess Sophie’s best fashion moments of all time The now-Duchess’ appearance took place the same year that the 1994 Butterfly Princess Barbie hit the shelves, with her fairy-like gown featuring the same soft pink colour and patterned bodice. Perhaps she was inspired by the iconic doll! © UK Press via Getty ImagesPrince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones dressed to impress for a Ball in Cowes in 1994 Completing her evening attire, Sophie draped a sheer …

Duchess Sophie battles soaring temperatures in heatwave-approved midi dress – with £3.5k bracelet

Duchess Sophie battles soaring temperatures in heatwave-approved midi dress – with £3.5k bracelet

Published by Daniella Wilson

The Duchess of Edinburgh battled soaring temperatures on Tuesday in one of her boldest summer dresses to date.  As temperatures skyrocket across the UK this week, Sophie travelled to Jersey for a two-day visit with a heatwave-approved wardrobe. The royal arrived for a reception at Government House on 23 June wearing a lightweight midi dress with voluminous boho sleeves in a vibrant blue hue. The eye-catching dress featured a colourful floral print all over with a V neckline and straight skirt, which draped to her ankles. Sophie complemented her summer look with metallic wedge sandals from Jimmy Choo, as identified by Royal Fashion Police on Instagram. The Duchess had her hair swept up while combating the heat and wore Sting sunglasses in several sun-soaked photos from the outing. © Alamy Stock PhotoThe Duchess of Edinburgh wore a bold summer dress for a NSPCC reception at Government House Sophie was dripping in gold jewelry, including flower-shaped earrings from Giulia Barela and the £3.5k ‘Wooland Single Oak Leaf Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold with Diamonds’ bracelet from …