Shivering Duchess Sophie layers 3 coats to battle spring weather in Windsor

Battling the weather is something the British royals have become accustomed to, tweaking their outfits to suit the environment and carrying trusted clear umbrellas in case of poorly timed downpours.

However, the Duchess of Edinburgh appeared to be caught out on Thursday as she visited the Royal Windsor Horse Show, where she was huddled away from the cool temperatures in a buggy wearing not one, not two, but three jackets.

Not letting the weather dampen her spirits, Sophie was pictured smiling in a pair of deep green wide-leg trousers and a brown blazer, which was hidden underneath a padded black jacket, a camel-coloured raincoat and a cream scarf. 

© James Whatling

The royal's latest look is a masterclass in wearing a capsule wardrobe, with her neutral basics allowing each item to blend seamlessly into her overall look. Her blonde hair was secured in a low plait to keep dry, and her daytime makeup was natural and minimal.

Low-key fashion

After carving out a career in PR before marrying Prince Edward, Sophie found it difficult adjusting to the public interest in her fashion. She confessed: "It was all about my clients, not me.

© Tim Graham

"It's still not about me, it's about my charities but I recognise that I'm on display. I remember having a chat with somebody and them saying, 'You know you've got to recognise that this is part and parcel of what you're doing. When you walk into a room, yes people are going to talk about what you're doing there, but they're also going to want to know what you're wearing.'

"I sort of wrestled with that one for a little while and slightly caved in at the end of the day."

Now, she is known as one of the most elegant royal ladies, donning colourful prints to racing events and muted tones to daily royal engagements.

Carefully-chosen colours

© Getty Images

Colour is one of the most considered parts of royal fashion, with everyone from Duchess Sophie to the Princess of Wales perfecting diplomatic dressing that pays tribute to their guests or surroundings.

In the case of the late Queen Elizabeth II, she wielded colour as a subtle weapon to allow royal fans to feel closer to her.

In the documentary Our Queen at Ninety, Sophie explained: "Don't forget that when she turns up somewhere, the crowds are two, three, four, ten, 15 deep, and someone wants to be able to say they saw a bit of the Queen's hat as she went past.

"She needs to stand out for people to be able to say 'I saw the Queen'."