Moving into the world of royalty comes with a unique set of challenges, and who better to turn to for guidance than those born into the family?
The Duchess of Edinburgh looked to her future royal in-laws for subtle sartorial cues as she prepared to marry Prince Edward in June 1999. Two months before walking down the aisle, Sophie (nee Rhys-Jones) was pictured joining the royal family at their traditional Easter Sunday Service at St. George s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
Photos show Sophie having a twinning fashion moment as she arrived with her soon-to-be niece Zara Phillips, then 17. The former PR professional wore a black skirt suit, featuring a pencil skirt that fell to the knee, layered underneath a long-line jacket with statement gold buttons.
Black heels and a bright pink hat completed her look, which had an almost identical silhouette to Zara's outfit. Princess Anne's daughter was spotted smiling in a cream ensemble, which featured a V-neck lapel jacket with a long cut and a fitted, matching skirt.
She accessorised with a black hat and shoes. Despite slightly different colourways, the parallels between the two looks were clear, with the pair walking in near-perfect step as they approached the chapel.
© GettyDuchess Sophie getting used to the royal spotlight
The co-ordinating look takes on new meaning after hearing about Sophie's struggles with the spotlight in the early days of her marriage.
Acknowledging the pressure to conform to expectations, she told Sunday Express in 2015: "It was all about my clients, not me," referring to her pre-royal job.
© 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."
While she said she has "never had a stylist," she has spent years carving out her personal fashion, turning to trusted designers that make her feel her best, like Jane Taylor.
