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Since marrying into the Royal Family in 1999, the Duchess of Edinburgh has become one of the monarchy’s most beloved figures.
Sophie, a former PR consultant, first met Prince Edward in 1987 at Capital Radio when he was dating her best friend.
But it was love at second sight, as the pair became a couple after their paths crossed for a second time at a charity promotional shoot in 1993.
The couple married at St George’s Chapel in Windsor six years later and settled at Bagshot Park in Surrey, where they raised their two children: Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex.
Though Sophie is officially the fourth most active royal, having undertaken 257 official engagements last year, her royal life is a stark contrast to her modest working-class beginnings.
When she first met Queen Elizabeth, she reportedly didn’t make much of an impression.
Ingrid Seward, editor of Majesty magazine, told The Sunday Times: ‘Sophie wasn’t from that world. She’d never encountered anything like the Royal Family and was very nervous, shy and tongue-tied when she met the Queen, who as a result thought she was a bit dull and told a friend: “You wouldn’t notice her in a crowd.”‘
However, Sophie and her future mother-in-law’s bond significantly deepened over the years as they spent more time together.
For her wedding Sophie wore an ivory silk organza gown by Samantha Keswick, which was decorated with 325,000 crystals and pearls
Sophie was reportedly the Queen’s ‘favourite daughter-in-law’ and became the monarch’s ‘rock’ following the death of Prince Philip in 2021.
When the Queen passed away, Sophie was heartbroken, with her and Edward describing their loss for the woman they both called ‘Mama’ as leaving ‘an unimaginable void in all our lives.’
Sophie has played a key role in holding the monarchy together amidst family feuds, the Duke of York’s scandals, and the cancer diagnoses of The King and the Princess of Wales.
A patron of more than 70 charities and organisations, Sophie is especially recognised for her advocacy on issues including sexual violence in war-torn countries and sight loss awareness.
Her passion for promoting eye health stems from her daughter, who was born prematurely and developed esotropia – a condition that causes one or both eyes to turn inwards and make someone appear cross-eyed.
Known for her personable nature, Sophie has also made a name for herself in the fashion world, showcasing a notable evolution in her style.
And since taking on the title of Duchess of Edinburgh in March 2023, her fashion sense has reached new heights.
Renowned for her impeccable taste, she has a penchant for bold colours, floral patterns and expertly coordinated millinery crafted by esteemed designers.
Known for her personable nature, Sophie has also made a name for herself in the fashion world, showcasing a notable evolution in her style
Celebrity stylist Martine Alexander has a particular fondness for Sophie’s polished style.
She told MailOnline: ‘What I love about Sophie’s style is that she knows who she is. Her look is very coordinated, so you won’t see her making any daring, bold moves – which aligns with what she feels comfortable with.
‘She is confident wearing colour and with her skin tone, hair and eye colour, she can carry off the vibrancy of coral, green, blue and white. They work really well and lift her skin, giving her that natural glow.’
Martine’s favourite look from the past year was the leather Loewe dress, teamed with a ME+EM floral blouse and Gianvito Rossi boots, describing it as ‘really chic and effortless’.
‘Sophie’s style is very classic, but she likes to add a subtle twist or edginess where she can, as portrayed in this outfit. The suede boots added a refreshing contemporary nod.’
As Sophie celebrates her 60th birthday today, we take a closer look at 60 of her most memorable and stylish moments over the years.
Her best look: All eyes were on the Duchess in November 2024 thanks to her striking leather Loewe dress, ME+EM floral blouse and Gianvito Rossi boots
On a trip to Malta in October 2024, Sophie embraced florals with a striking Erdem skirt, featuring the brand’s signature ‘Cavendish Rose’ print and soft pleats for added volume
The Duchess of Edinburgh looked effortlessly stylish as she attended the 2023 Together at Christmas concert, wearing a bespoke Suzannah coat and Gianvito Rossi boots
Sophie is a devoted fan of Beulah, boasting a collection of four dresses, including three variations of the flattering ‘Yahvi’ style, one of which she wore for a visit to Abbey Road Studios in April 2024
Sophie used a ME+EM tailored blazer to add structure to her pleated maxi skirt from the same brand in July 2021
She embraced autumn chic in Max Mara leather trousers while attending the Cornbury House Horse Trials in September 2024
Sophie looked stylishly cosy in a green wool wrap blazer from Giuliva Heritage during her visit to the Katherine Low Settlement in Battersea in January 2024
Showcasing her daring nature, Sophie selected a scarlet Bruce Oldfield gown for a swanky reception the night before Prince William and Kate’s wedding in April 2011
For Royal Ascot 2023, the Duchess chose Suzannah London’s ‘Allison’ dress, featuring a 1940s-inspired fit-and-flare silhouette and a beautiful bow-effect neckline
She selected an army-green trench dress from Alexander McQueen to open the Charfleet Book Bindery in Canvey Island in June 2023
The royal wore Suzannah London’s exquisite ‘Isla’ dress, with matching blue accessories, to Royal Ascot in 2022 – and repeated it at a Buckingham Palace garden party the following year
Sophie embraced her first pregnancy with an eye-catching lilac two-piece in the summer of 2003
At the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May 2024, she donned her Aspiga ‘Victoria’ corduroy dress and Paige ‘Tawni’ jacket for the third time
Sophie exuded vintage charm in a Proenza Schouler coat and Jane Taylor pillbox hat when she attended the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in March 2023
Visiting the Brooklands motor museum in Surrey in October 2024, Sophie looked effortlessly stylish in a Gabriela Hearst blazer and Alberta Ferretti trousers
On Christmas Day in 2023, she debuted Claire Mischevani’s ‘Kristen’ coat dress, characterised by a tailored bodice, full skirt and stand collar adorned with a bow, all in an olive hue
The royal looked resplendent in a Zimmermann patchwork shirt dress during her royal tour of Malta in October 2024
Sophie championed the businesswoman aesthetic in the 90s, donning a distinctive monochromatic suit in November 1999
The Duchess was glowing in a lemon yellow dress by Beulah at Trooping the Colour in June 2024
Sophie opted for Zimmermann’s ‘Matchmaker’ dress at the Order of the Garter service in Windsor, accessorising with a Strathberry bag and Prada pumps
On Christmas Day in 2018, she stunned in a cornflower blue coat by Suzannah, complemented by sleek black accessories
Sophie made a sartorial statement in a Sport Max checked suit and vibrant shoes from Penelope Chilvers at Ascot’s May Racing Weekend in 2022
In September 2003, she championed business chic in a black trouser suit, teamed with a ivory satin blouse and striking pearl necklace
Sophie captivated onlookers in a sequinned Erdem gown at an evening reception during her visit to Canada in November 2023
The Duchess showcased a tonal look, comprising a Joseph cashmere coat, Gianvito Rossi boots and an Isabel Marant bag, during her official visit to Staffordshire in March 2024
At the 2022 Chelsea Flower Show, Sophie captivated onlookers in a pastel pink suit and playful Penelope Chilvers heels
Sophie teamed an elegant Suzannah coat dress with a Jane Taylor hat and Moda in Pelle heels for a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2023
Attending a memorial service for Jill Dando in 1999, Sophie made a subtle statement in a plum-coloured suit with diamond-shaped buttons and decorative stitching
Sophie layered up in a luxurious Prada lambskin jacket and tartan scarf during a visit to the England Hockey headquarters in February 2017
Sleek and stylish in a Laurie and Jules velvet jacket and matching hat, Sophie was the picture of equestrian elegance at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May 2022
Arriving at her office in Edinburgh in 1999, Sophie sported a menswear-inspired tweed suit and loafers, adding a feminine touch with a patterned scarf
In October 2023, Sophie went all in on leather during her visit to Brooklands Innovation Academy, pairing her well-loved Prada jacket with a daring Nina Ricci skirt
The royal oozed chic in a Bally military-inspired jacket, corduroy skirt and leather knee-high boots at Yeo Valley Farm in April 2024
Sophie looked particularly sophisticated in a Frame tie-neck blouse and Victoria Beckham wool trousers when she arrived at a British Fashion Council event in September 2024
Sophie selected an exquisite Suzannah gown for the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace in November 2023, pairing it with her aquamarine tiara and Anya Hindmarch clutch
This black crepe Emilia Wickstead dress was beautifully accessorised with a wide-brimmed Jane Taylor hat for Royal Ascot in 2014
The Duchess kept warm in style on Christmas Day, opting for a charming Emilia Wickstead coat, matching Jane Taylor hat and Reiss knee-high boots
At Royal Ascot 2024, the Duchess opted for a striking gown by Suzannah, featuring a sheer tulle overlay adorned with lace applique flowers
Sophie favoured a brown leather jacket throughout the nineties. It made a memorable appearance in October 1999 at the launch of a new fashion range by excavator manufacturer JCB
For the State Banquet in November 2022, Sophie chose Suzannah’s ‘Phoenix’ dress, completed with sparkling accessories and lashings of diamond jewellery
Sophie’s feathered Jane Taylor hat stole the show at Royal Ascot in 2021. She paired it with a voluminous Suzannah floral skirt
Sophie looked sublime in an emerald green Suzannah dress, a Launer clutch and LK Bennett court shoes at the Order of the Garter in 2015
The Duchess expertly teamed a Max Mara wide-leg trouser suit with a Frame Breton jumper for the Community Sport and Recreation Awards at Headingley Stadium in March 2024
In June 2023, Sophie impressed in an Emilia Wickstead floral shirt dress at Horse Guards Parade, matching the delicate blooms with a navy snakeskin Sophie Habsburg clutch
At Royal Ascot in 2021, Sophie looked stunning in a blush-pink gown by ARoss Girl x Soler and a Jane Taylor hat in the same colour
Attending Royal Ascot in 2016, Sophie wore a turquoise fit-and-flare dress by Emilia Wickstead, with a bespoke hat by her go-to milliner, Jane Taylor
The Duchess earned her style stripes in a distinctive Gabriela Hearst dress while visiting Heatherwood Hospital in January 2023
Blooming in a bespoke creation by Emilia Wickstead, Sophie stepped out at Ascot in this 50s-style floral frock with a matching boater hat
Sophie selected an eye-catching black and white ensemble for a Krug Champagne party in London in 1998
In June 2014, she wore a chic Emilia Wickstead two-piece, which has since been spotted on Meghan Markle
Sophie sported a Max Mara coat with a Roland Mouret knitted maxi dress and Prada pumps to watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace in April 2024
Sophie was the epitome of summer chic during her visit to the Caribbean to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. She opted for a ME+EM floral dress and metallic espadrille wedges by Jimmy Choo
Attending a National Service at Westminster Abbey in July 2023, the Duchess looked elegant in a floral Suzannah dress and Prada pumps
Sophie brought the glamour to the 2019 Order of the Garter with a Suzannah top and coral skirt, paired with a coordinating disc hat by Jane Taylor
At Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, Sophie wore a Suzannah dress, embroidered with lily of the valley, her mother-in-law’s favourite flower, as well as blooms that the late monarch carried in her wedding bouquet in 1947
The royal oozed glamour at a screening of The Rhino Man in June 2023, donning a floral Erdem dress and matching pashmina, accessorised with Prada heels
Standing out from the crowds at the Royal Artillery Barracks in December 2014, Sophie sported a vibrant purple Prada coat
In September 2021, the Duchess recycled one of her favourite Emilia Wickstead dresses for a London wedding, pairing the ruched sleeve pink frock with a sequinned Jane Taylor hat
The Duchess looked smart and sophisticated in a ME+EM military-inspired jacket and leather skirt at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May 2024
For a day in Ukraine, Sophie chose an eye-catching floral Etro dress and Nicola Sexton patent pumps
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