The Duchess of Edinburgh exuded elegance during a recent low-key appearance at St James’ Palace. The 61-year-old, wife of Prince Edward, hosted a reception for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) as global ambassador for its alliance of over 300 eye health organizations across more than 100 countries. She debuted a striking new dress that accentuated her figure perfectly.
Duchess Sophie’s Silky Chocolate Brown Look
The Duchess selected the ‘Josef’ dress by Gabriela Hearst, priced at £2,360. This midi dress boasts a luxurious silky finish, a cinched belted waist, a draped neck panel, and long sleeves. The belt’s buckle complemented her ‘Africa’ gold ring by Giulia Barela seamlessly.
She paired the dress with standout designer heels: the ‘Ixia 80 Pumps in Garnet Patent Leather’ from Jimmy Choo, retailing for £750. These feature a modern sculpted heel. Loose sandy blonde curls cascaded over her shoulders, softening the rich brown and burgundy tones, while subtle smoky eyeshadow completed the polished ensemble.
Cohesive Style from Recent Belfast Visit
This palace event followed her March 3 visit to the Bloomfield Walkways Community Centre in Belfast, where she met Guide Dogs representatives as the charity’s patron. Echoing the same color palette, she styled Gabriela Hearst’s ‘Amy Midi Skirt’ with a frayed hem alongside the ‘Stephanie’ blazer.
Elevating the outfit, she chose the ‘Double Moneypenny in Burgundy and Gold’ bag by Sophie Habsburg and Jimmy Choo’s ‘Cycas Ankle Boot 80 in Garnet,’ priced at £1,025. These boots share the fluted heel design of the ‘Ixia’ pumps.
Fashion stylist Leanne Jones praised the choice: “These ‘Cycas’ boots make a statement and, as many fashion commentators predicted last autumn, they’re fast becoming a signature Jimmy Choo icon. The timeless silhouette, the sharp elegance of the pointed toe and the avant-garde sculptural heel elevate them far beyond the standard ankle boot.” She added, “It’s also a welcome, slightly cheeky addition to Sophie’s typically understated style. She has always approached her role with discretion and poise, favouring classic, safe choices over showmanship. But these subtle twists, and her investment in much-admired fashion houses, add a layer of personality that feels both surprising and impressive.”
