Known as something of a secret weapon for the Royal Family, Sophie the Duchess of Edinburgh who turns 59 today, has evolved from a PR girl into a respected member of the Royal Family.
Elegant and understated, Sophie’s eventually became the late Queen’s favourite daughter-in-law. And since joining the Firm, her style has been transformed.
Sophie Rhys-Jones was a hot-shot PR girl, working for Capital Radio before launching her own public relations agency RJH Public Relations in 1996.
Prince Edward and Sophie reportedly first met in the late 1980s and in 1993 the pair crossed paths while Sophie was at a promotion shoot for the Prince Edward Summer Challenge.
The pair started dating shortly afterwards but it would be another five years before the prince popped the question.
As a PR, Rhys-Jones dressed in bright, printed pieces, seemingly unafraid to stand out from the crowd, favouring skirts and oversized jackets, together with practical corporate attire cut sensibly just below the knee, following the popular shoulder-pad trend of the 80s and early 90s.
Sophie’s head was crowned with the Anthemion tiara, and she wore a black and white pearl jewellery set
Despite being relatively low key, Edward and Sophie’s wedding was still an impressive television moment, attracting 200 million viewers as she stepped out in a silk organza gown designed by Samantha Keswick. It was decorated with 325,000 crystals and pearls
In December 1998 Edward proposed to Sophie with a two-carat oval diamond flanked by two heart-shaped gemstones set in 18-carat white gold while on holiday in the Bahamas, and in 1999 their nuptials took place at St George’s Chapel, Windsor.
The occasion was low-key by royal standards and without state or military involvement, but the television broadcast still attracted an incredible 200 million viewers.
Sophie’s dress was designed by Samantha Keswick, and the silk organza ensemble was decorated with 325,000 crystals and pearls.
Her head was crowned with the Anthemion tiara, which consisted of radiating petals, similar to a fan, and was chosen from the Queen’s private jewellery collection.
Though it took her a while to find her feet when it came to fashion, after marrying into the royal family her look changed, and the countess started to develop a signature look that really came into its own at events like weddings and Royal Ascot.
From 2011 to 2013 she often turner to couturier Bruce Oldfield for silhouettes that flattered her figure, cinching in at the waist and elongating her legs, before transitioning to fashion forward brands Emilia Wickstead and Alexander McQueen in 2014.
In 2015 her style began to garner attention and she was named on Vanity Fair’s international best-dressed list.
At the time she commented that she knew what she did and didn’t like, but never used a stylist.
However, her slow yet dramatic transformation continued with advice of not one but two fashion stylists, her close friend Georgie Pincus and Pandora Delevingne, mother of supermodel Cara.
With a keen eye for feminine tailoring and elegant formalwear, Sophie’s choices have been compared to those of Princess Kate.
Both are fans of British designers Erdem, Emilia Wickstead and Alexander McQueen as well as the milliner Jane Taylor, and both own the famous LK Bennett nude pumps which have now been swapped for Gianvito Rossi heels instead.
Today, Sophie’s impeccable and timeless fashion looks better than ever, and she has really hit her style stride in recent years.
The royal has an excellent understanding of her shape and the colours that look great on her. Understanding proportions, as she stepped into her new role as the Duchess of Edinburgh, the royal has honed a beautifully elegant look which is modern yet refined with many sartorial successes.
1994 – Lady Sarah Chatto’s Wedding
Royal girlfriend Sophie Rhys-Jones attends the wedding of Lady Sarah Chatto as Edward’s plus one. She stole the show in a minidress and top hat which encapsulated the millinery style of the early 1990’s and drew comparisons with the style of Princess Diana
31st January 2002 – Amsterdam
The Earl and Countess of Wessex attend the Dutch royal wedding. For the pre-wedding dinner Sophie wears a dramatic midnight blue sequined gown with a one-shoulder neckline and a blue shawl draped across her shoulders
28th April 2011 – Pre-Wedding Dinner
Not afraid to be bold with her choices, Sophie selects a scarlet Bruce Oldfield gown for a glittering reception the night before William and Kate’s wedding, sealing her credentials as a true fashion contender
30th July 2011 – Zara Tindall Wedding
Wearing a chic Bruce Oldfield dress, matching jacket and statement Jane Taylor hat, Sophie is the epitome of elegance at the royal wedding
12th March 2012 – Commonwealth Service
Sophie steals the limelight at the Commonwealth Service in an extravagant feather-trimmed bespoke hat by Jane Taylor worn with a silk coat
4th June 2012 – Diamond Jubilee Big Lunch
The countess looks ultra glamorous at the Diamond Jubilee picnic wearing an all-white ensemble of floaty wide leg trousers and a matching shirt
June 2012 – Royal Ascot
Always spot on with the Royal Ascot dress code, Sophie impresses in a dusty grey pleat skirt dress with matching hat and Kate’s favourite LK Bennett court shoes
September 2012 – Paralympic Ball
Pink lady Sophie dresses to impress in an asymmetric Emilio Pucci gown for the paralympic ball in 2012, pulling her hair back to accentuate her shoulders
30th December 2012 – Sandringham
For a church service in Sandringham, the royal wraps up in tonal textures with a grey cashmere coat and oversized camel Philip Treacy hat
5th June 2013 – Guildford Cathedral
It’s Bruce Oldfield Couture for Sophie as she dazzles in a chic white dress with a matching cropped cover-up with a stand-up collar for the Guildford Flower Festival
4th June 2013 – Coronation Celebrations
Sophie Wessex is a windswept vision in white Bruce Oldfield as she arrives at the Queen’s coronation celebrations. Her scalloped lace dress was topped with an elegant Jane Taylor hat
June 2013 – Princess Madeleine of Sweden’s Wedding
A twinkling tiara moment for Sophie as she steps out in the Swedish sunshine wearing a pale pink gown with lace top by Bruce Oldfield for the wedding of Princess Madeleine of Sweden
2013 – Royal Ascot
Sophie adds a pop of colour to her beige ensemble with a magenta flourish on her oversized fascinator at Ascot
March 2014 – Commonwealth Service
Chic in cream for the Commonwealth Service, the countess flatters her figure with this cream Alexander McQueen coat which featured a wide corset belt detail
17th June 2014 – Royal Ascot
Sophie wears a two-piece Emilia Wickstead which has since been spotted on Meghan Markle
2014 – Royal Ascot
One of Sophie’s chicest looks, this black crepe Emilia Wickstead dress is beautifully accessorised with an oversized bespoke Jane Taylor hat for Ascot
July 2014 – Surrey Engagement
Arriving in style at an engagement in Surrey, the countess goes for neutral tones in a cream jacket and Prada dress whilst carrying a Michael Kors straw bag
December 2014 – String Orchestra
Standing out from the crowds at the Royal Artillery Barracks and taking style tips from the Queen, Sophie is vibrant in a purple Prada coat
June 2015 – Royal Ascot
Keeping with her Ascot fashion formula, Sophie once again wears an Emilia Wickstead dress with a Jane Taylor hat, this time going monochrome
September 2015 – BGC Global Day
Turning to high-end label Victoria Beckham, Sophie wows at the BGC Charity event in a zesty orange body-conscious, fitted dress, which she teamed with nude Gianvito Rossi heels
November 2015 – Bazaar Women Award
Looking like a modern Grace Kelly for the Bazaar Women Awards, Sophie is effortlessly chic in a lace dress by British designer Mary Katrantzou whilst clutching a bejewelled Fendi baguette bag
21st December 2015 – Royal Ascot
Sophie shows off her impeccable style at Ascot, mixing up animal prints with a classic camel coat for a tonal look with a touch of her individuality
2016 – Royal Ascot
Attending Royal Ascot, Sophie wears one of her favourite designers Emilia Wickstead, with a bespoke hat by her go-to milliner, Jane Taylor
17th November 2016 – Camberley
Nailing autumnal dressing, countess Sophie wrapped her cobalt Joseph coat over grey separates and pulled the tones of the look together with her crocodile Sophie Habsburg clutch
July 2017 – Hampton Court Flower Show
Wearing a white midi dress with a full skirt and stand-up collar by Suzannah and Chloé shoes, Sophie dazzles at the Hampton Court Flower Show
29th September 2017 – Headley Court Parade
Choosing a pale blue coat with a bow fastening by Suzannah and a bespoke Jane Taylor hat, the countess is the epitome of elegance at the Headley Court Farewell Parade
February 2018 – London Fashion Week
Joining Kate for a fashion reception, Sophie nods to the biggest story of London Fashion Week, the departure of Christopher Bailey from Burberry, by wearing a black cocktail dress from the house
13th May 2018 – Royal Windsor Horse Show
Sophie found fedora inspiration from Kate Middleton in this Hicks and Brown hat with feather band which she is pictured wearing to the Royal Windsor Horse Show
19th May 2018 – Harry and Meghan Wedding
Tones of ice blue for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with a midi skirt and boucle top from London-based brand Susannah, with a bespoke Jane Taylor hat
12th June 2018 – Harewood House
Sophie, Countess of Wessex is a vision in colour with a Galvan silk shirt dress printed with rainbow llamas for a charity reception and dinner at Harewood House in 2018
19th June 2018 – Ascot
Perfectly coordinating in monochrome, Sophie’s pale pink Emilia Wickstead dress features black on the sleeves that matched the frills atop her Jane Taylor hat for the first day of Ascot
21st June 2018 – Royal Ascot
Flamboyant in feathers, it’s a Jane Taylor ostrich plume hat for Ascot Ladies Day paired with a pleat dress in the same soft shade of lilac by her failsafe dress brand Suzannah
26th June 2018 – Razed Roof
Sophie has flower power in an Erdem shirt dress with nipped in waist and flared skirt for an event in Essex. Paired with Penelope Chilvers espadrille wedges it was summer style at its finest
17th June 2019 – Order of the Garter
Sophie brings the glamour to the Order of the Garter with a Suzannah top and coral skirt paired with a disc hat by Jane Taylor which had coordinating coral detail
18th June 2019 – Royal Ascot
Blooming in a bespoke creation by Emilia Wickstead, Sophie stepped out at Ascot in this 50’s style floral frock with a matching boater hat
8th September 2019 – Burghley Horse Trials
It was statement stripes for Sophie at Burghley Horse Trials when she recycled a Gabriela Hearst skirt, this time pairing it with a navy blazer and boots
13th December 2019 – Sandhurst
Sophie looks a vision in blue at The Sovereign’s Parade as she wraps up in a Suzannah cashmere coat layered over an Erdem dress and topped with a Jackie O style hat
June 2021 – Royal Ascot
The Countess of Wessex goes for boho chic at Ascot in a peach maxi dress by ARoss Girl. Skipping her usual fitted frocks, this floaty number was an elegant choice
16th June 2021 – Royal Ascot
It was florals and feathers for day two of Ascot in 2021 when Sophie paired a Suzannah A-line skirt with a Jane Taylor hat
July 2021 – Royal Windsor Horse Show
Turning to the Princess of Wales’ wardrobe staple, the blazer, Sophie uses some Me&Em tailoring to add structure to her maxi pleat skirt from the same brand
8th July 2021 – Wimbledon
Stepping out in spots on centre court at Wimbledon, the countess wears an Me&Em flowing polka dot dress previously seen the month before
11th September 2021 – Wedding of Flora Ogilvy and Timothy Vesterberg
The countess recycled one of her favourite Emilia Wickstead dresses for a London wedding, pairing the ruched sleeve bubblegum pink frock with a sequin Jane Taylor hat
15th May 2022 – Royal Windsor Horse Show
Sleek and stylish in a Laurie and Jules velvet jacket and matching hat, Sophie is a picture of equestrian elegance at Royal Windsor Horse Show
3rd June 2022 – Platinum Jubilee
The Countess of Wessex continues her fashion winning streak in a soft shimmering Suzannah number and a similarly hued Jane Taylor fascinator to attend the National Service of Thanksgiving
13th June 2022 – Order of the Garter
Pretty in pink Valentino for Order of the Garter, Sophie teams her A-line flared sleeve dress with a pair of neutral Prada pumps, Sophie Habsburg clutch and a feather trimmed Jane Taylor hat
8th September 2022 – Caterham
The fashion forward royal was blooming in a Me&Em maxi dress on an engagement in Caterham before rushing to Balmoral to be with the Queen
December 2022 – The Albert Hall
Duchess Sophie shines in a sparkling sheer gown and epitomises regal glamour in a beaded Erdem dress and Anya Hindmarch clutch for The Royal Variety Show
25th December 2022 – Christmas Day Service
Sophie channelled Kate in camel as she stepped out for Christmas at Sandringham in a Joseph coat and Jane Taylor wide brimmed hat.
March 2023 – Commonwealth Service
Dazzling in all white, Sophie steps out for her first major engagement as the Duchess of Edinburgh at the Commonwealth Day service in a Proenza Schouler coat and Jane Taylor hat
May 2023 – Buckingham Palace Garden Party
Twinning with Kate in dusty blue for the Buckingham Palace Garden Party last year, Sophie opts for a ruffled Suzannah number and Jane Taylor hat
6th June 2023 – Horse Guards
Sophie impresses in an Emilia Wickstead floral shirt dress at Horse Guards Parade, matching the delicate blooms with a cobalt snakeskin Sophie Habsburg clutch
13th June 2023 – The Rhino Man
It’s a purple reign for Sophie at a screening of The Rhino Man in a floral Erdem dress and matching pashmina, accessorised with Prada heels
21st June 2023 – Royal Ascot
The blonde royal brings the glamour to day two of Ascot in a crisp white Suzannah shirt dress with a large bow at the collar. A Jane Taylor pale pink, wide-brimmed hat and pearl earrings finish off her race day attire
June 2023 – Royal Ascot
For day four of the races at Ascot Sophie turns to her go-to brand Suzannah for a 1940’s inspired pale pink silk dress, completing the ensemble with a wide brimmed Jane Taylor hat
17th June 2023 – Trooping the Colour
Looking lovely in ivory, Sophie digs into her closet for Trooping the Colour and re-wore a Beulah idress and Jane Taylor wide-brimmed ivory hat which she last wore to Ascot in 2014.
27th June 2023 – Canvey Island
Sophie impresses fashion fans by sporting a chic Alexander McQueen sleeveless dress while attending an event in Canvey Island
14th September 2023 – Salisbury
The Duchess of Edinburgh is a picture of summer wearing an Emilia Wickstead snakeskin printed dress layered under a pale pink blazer and coordinating neutral accessories.
8th December 2023 – Carol Service
Beaming duchess Sophie recycles her Suzannah blue coat and layers it over a cream Me&Em dress and Gianvito Rossi boots for a lesson in quiet luxury style.