Duchess Sophie’s head-turning rainbow outfit she’d NEVER wear today

The Duchess of Edinburgh epitomizes poise and understated elegance in every public engagement, no matter the occasion. However, the then-Countess of Wessex dared to be different back in 2001 when she rocked a rainbow ensemble on day three of Royal Ascot. 

The head-turning design couldn’t be further from Sophie’s simple and feminine style, with the royal often favouring muted shades, loose silhouettes and neutral accessories.

We simply can’t imagine Prince Edward’s wife wearing such a vibrant look now! Sophie, now 60, was spotted alongside her husband wearing a tweed fitted jacket and matching pencil skirts in horizontal panels of sky blue, lime green, coral, and hot pink.

The two-piece co-ord, which had frayed detailing and a sharp collar, was styled with a pair of taupe heels. The mother-of-two also carried an off-white box bag and wore a beaded necklace.

Her oversized hat also added to the costume effect of the look. The towering design was one of her tallest headpieces to date, and certainly made a big impression. 

Duchess Sophie’s style evolution over the years

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Sophie Rhys-Jones, as she was known prior to her marriage to Prince Edward, has come a long way over the years. In the early days of their romance, the former founder of R-JH Public Relations in Mayfair was often photographed en route to the office looking every inch the businesswoman, wearing stylish suits in neutral hues.

During public-facing events like Royal Ascot, Sophie was free to experiment with different styles before finally coming into her own in the last two decades. 

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These days, you’re more likely to see her wearing a feminine, flattering midi dress with a floral print or crafted in a soft, muted hue. She loves a shirt-dress silhouette and once she finds a style she likes, she purchases it in multiple colourways, such as her trusty ‘Yahvi’ dress from Beulah London .

British designer, former dresser of the late Princess Diana, and host of the Style DNA podcast, Amanda Wakeley OBE, previously told HELLO! that putting together a stellar royal outfit is the ultimate balancing act.

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She explained. “You have to combine formality and elegance with a touch of personality and warmth. One key thing is understanding the occasion, whether it’s a state banquet, a charity event, or something more casual, each requires its own level of formality and sophistication.”

For Sophie, like other royals, personality and individual taste certainly come into play. Amanda explained: “Certain colours, fabrics, and even hemlines can have a symbolic meaning or adhere to long-standing traditions. Within all of that, it’s important to allow a sense of the individual to come through. You want them to feel confident, poised, and still very much themselves.”