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There was a time when the wife of Prince Edward was something of an outsider in the British Royal Family.
But after decades of hard work and loyal service, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh has established herself as a key figure in the Monarchy.
If her role, reputation and fashion choices have evolved over time, one aesthetic has remained constant in her wardrobe: the trouser suit.
Sophie Wessex, as she was known, had once favoured oversized silhouettes (left, in 1999). In more recent times she has plumped for tailoring (right, in 2024)
Sophie Wessex, then Sophie Rhys-Jones, in 1994. She married Prince Edward in 1999
Sophie Rhys-Jones attends a Krug Champagne party in London, 1998
Sophie arrives at work in 1999 shortly after her engagement to Prince Edward had been announced
Conveying elegance and authority, with a touch of informality when required, the two-piece has played a key role over the years.
In the 1990s, Sophie wore the staple in oversized silhouettes, tweed fabrics and earthy tones.
Today, she explores sleek tailored jackets and airy wide-leg trousers, often paired with knee-high boots and a Breton top.
Sophie Rhys-Jones tied the knot with Prince Edward at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in June 1999, following a five-year relationship.
The Duke of Edinburgh first crossed paths with his wife in 1987 when she was working in public relations for Capital Radio.
Six years passed before the couple met again, this time Sophie was leading the publicity for Edward’s Real Tennis Challenge event.
The duo bonded over their interest in sports and their first date was reportedly a tennis match followed by dinner at Buckingham Palace.
As Sophie was thrust into the public eye, her style choices inevitably drew attention.
In 1994, during the early stages of her relationship with Prince Edward, Sophie made a statement by wearing a distinctive wool blazer, paired with matching trousers.
Created in a burnt orange hue, this striking jacket featured padded shoulders, classic peak lapels, a double-breasted front and dramatically oversized fit.
Sophie added a simple mink turtleneck, woven flats and a patterned silk scarf in complementary shades of white, ochre and tan.
Later in 1998, Sophie showcased her sartorial prowess in a monochrome outfit, characterised by a chequered jacket, for a swanky Krug Champagne party in London.
The avant-garde look ensured all eyes were on the girlfriend of Prince Edward.
Sophie is pictured out and about in London, November 1999
Pictured arriving at work in London after attending a memorial service for murdered TV presenter Jill Dando in 1999
Sophie pictured at Ascot’s May Racing Weekend in May 2022
Pictured in double-breasted pink at the 2022 Chelsea Flower Show
Already popular in the 1970s, the trouser suit went from strength to strength and continued to dominate fashion throughout the 1990s, conveying a sense of both authority and competence.
Sales for suits reached an all-time high, with a number of high-profile designers getting in on the act.
Giorgio Armani, for example, created boxy two-pieces for women that mirrored men’s fashion.
Donna Karan, meanwhile, presented designs that highlighted the female figure.
Known for her awareness of style, Sophie first embraced the trend with peplum-style jackets and straight-leg trousers.
One particularly flattering outfit from 1998 featured a defined waist and contrasting colour-block collar, signifying a shift in the Duchess’ attire.
Attending a memorial service for Jill Dando in 1999, Sophie wore a fitted longline jacket and wide-leg trousers.
The plum-coloured ensemble featured diamond-shaped buttons and decorative stitching along the front.
With ever more women entering positions of authority, new silhouettes and colour palettes haves continued to develop for the trouser suit.
One new variation, for example, was on view for Sophie’s visit to the 2022 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. She captivated onlookers in a pastel pink suit, complemented by a swipe of lipstick in a similar shade.
The sophisticated linen number by Gabriela Hearst comprised a double-breasted jacket and straight-leg trousers.
Sophie added a Sophie Habsburg bag with embroidered shoulder strap, and playful Penelope Chilver heels in a tan and ultraviolet.
When it comes to her wardrobe, the Duchess of Edinburgh seems to have benefited from having Kate Middleton by her side.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh visits Community Projects at Burwell Hall, Walton-on-Thames, in January this year
Despite their 17-year age gap, Sophie has forged a close alliance with Kate and mirrored her sartorial choices on several occasions, including trouser suits.
In January, the Duchess wore a forest green suit by Victoria Beckham which was reminiscent of Kate’s Burberry two-piece. Both incorporated longline blazers and wide-leg trousers.
For the Community Sport and Recreation Awards, held at Headingley Stadium in Leeds earlier this month, Sophie wore a navy suit by Max Mara.
Her modish look, reminiscent of Kate’s Holland Cooper suit suggested that shared taste is a feature of their friendship.
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