Duchess Sophie strikes gold in cascading autumn dress that made heads turn


Prince Edward's wife looked resplendent during her visit to Zambia, wearing a beautiful dress by a UK-based brand


duchess sophie smiling in blue outfit © Getty Images

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Laura Sutcliffe
Laura SutcliffeFashion and Beauty News Editor
1 hour ago

Duchess Sophie has been representing the UK in Zambia this week in true royal style; she flew the flag for British fashion by donning a past-season, made-to-order dress by Soler London.

For the fourth day of her trip, the mother of Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex, donned the brand's 'Villamarie Bea' dress, which costs £425. Although Sophie's autumnal colourway isn't available now, there are a plethora of sumptuous prints to choose from.

The Duchess of Edinburgh plays netball as she meets young people taking part in sports and recreational activities delivered by Sport in Action© PA Images via Getty Images
Sophie looked incredible in her autumnal dress

The classic style consists of a semi-circle ankle-length skirt dress with an open front, a button-round neck, three-quarter-length puff sleeves, and a matching sash belt. 

Sophie's dress was etched with gold© PA Images via Getty Images
Sophie's dress was etched with gold

The chestnut brown and gold colourway is a perfect seasonal staple and oozes autumn elegance. The royal accessories are tailored to perfection, teaming her statement frock with her trusty Penelope Chilvers heels and a selection of gold dainty jewellery.

This design by Never Fully Dressed looks similar to Sophie's ensemble
This design by Never Fully Dressed looks similar to Sophie's ensemble

Although this shade is no longer available, we've found an incredible dress with a similar look by Never Fully Dressed. The brand's 'Astra Tahlia' dress also features a tonal finish and striking foil heart detail.

Sophie's action-packed trip

HELLO! is the only publication accompanying Sophie on the visit. Our reporter on the ground, Jack Malvern, has been filling us in on everything that's been going on during the royal's trip.

Sophie may have been wearing a glamorous dress and heels, but it didn't stop her from playing a spot of netball! When the royal arrived at Maramba Primary School, the pupils showed off their expert skills before Sophie unexpectedly joined in, asking to take some shots on goal. She made five attempts but sadly achieved only near misses.

The Duchess of Edinburgh watches young people taking part in sports and recreational activities delivered by Sport in Action© PA Images via Getty Images
The Duchess watched young people taking part in sports and recreational activities

Sophie also joined in with young children who were gathered in a circle to dance and chant, an exercise designed to motivate them before a match. Kelvin Malambo, the school's headmaster, said that the school had been "blessed" to have her as a guest.

Sophie's zesty look

On the first day of Sophie's visit, the royal attended the Orbis Eye Health reception at the Latitude 15 Degrees Hotel in Lusaka and wore a lime green silk number by Amanda Ross x Soler London. Known as the 'Brooke' dress, it was a midi style, designed in sumptuous satin, and featured a flattering V-shaped neckline. For a colour-block kick, she added a deep purple sash belt for a vivid, statement finish.

The Duchess of Edinburgh looked fabulous in her zesty dress© PA Images via Getty Images
The Duchess of Edinburgh looked fabulous in her zesty green, colourblock dress

This somewhat zesty tone isn't often embraced by the royal ladies, who are known to prefer a slightly more neutral palette. Bright colours do feature in their wardrobes, but bold citrus shades like Sophie's are a rarity.

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