The Duchess of Edinburgh stepped out for a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on Friday in one of her most flattering dresses. Duchess Sophie looked beautiful in a figure-hugging maxi dress for the sunny afternoon – and she had quite the extravagant accessory to tie her ensemble together.
The royal arrived alongside her husband, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and Zara Tindall, in a beautiful pale blue dress that cinched at the waist with a breezy hem and fabric draped on one shoulder for an asymmetrical finish. It appears to be the same elegant frock Sophie previously wore around two years prior to a 2024 garden party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland.
Sophie paired the dress with matching coloured heels, and kept her mixed-metal jewellery minimal for the occasion with a dainty silver necklace and gold bangle.
© Alamy
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesStatement accessory
While her dress was minimalist, Sophie's hat added a bold flair to the look. The royal's matching blue netted hat tilted to one side to reveal an arrangement of ribbons, feathers and florals fashioned on top.
Sophie's hat was the perfect garden party accessory and matched Princess Anne's daughter, Zara Tindall, and the Princess of Wales, who both wore bold, wide-brimmed hats for the afternoon. Zara opted for a hat with a pop of blue on top, while Kate paired a vintage black and white hat with her cream dress from Self-Portrait for her hosting duties.
© Alamy Stock PhotoThe Prince and Princess of Wales hosted the party, which included guests from their patronages, military affiliations and passion projects, on behalf of the King.
Garden party style
Two days earlier, the Duchess kicked off this year's garden party season with one of her most radiant looks. The royal arrived for her first Buckingham Palace Garden Party of 2026 on Wednesday in a bright coral frock from luxury womenswear label, Beulah London.
The vibrant dress, which she previously wore to the Orbis Visionaries Reception at Abbey Road Studios two years prior, featured bell sleeves and an A-line hem.
© Getty ImagesSpeaking of the royal's choice to wear coral for the party, fashion stylist and colour expert, Sian Clarke of Styled by Sian, told HELLO! that the colour is "often associated with empathy, warmth, and listening, while also encouraging confidence and honesty."
"It represents not being afraid to show up, speak your truth, and embrace visibility with grace."
