Back in August, a stunning new portrait of Duchess Sophie, which was taken at Bagshot Park, was released in celebration of her exciting new patronage.
The 61-year-old became the royal patron of Edinburgh-based charity Visualise Scotland following her visit to the city with her husband, Prince Edward.
© Millie PilkingtonLooking as resplendent as ever, Sophie donned an elegant, cream-toned dress with bell sleeves from one of her favourite brands, Beulah London. She added chunky gold hoop earrings and, notably, chocolate-brown nail polish.
What is the royal nail polish rule?
Although there's no official beauty rulebook for the public to see, we know from royal style experts that historically, royal ladies are expected to keep their nails short and mostly bare, with subtle colours preferred.
© WireImageThe late Queen Elizabeth II was known to favour the pale pink shade 'Ballet Slippers' by Essie.
© Getty ImagesSophie's chocolate-brown manicure is both daring and on-trend.
© PintrestThe chocolate shade is a transitional nail colour that's ideal for the months edging into winter. Seasonal browns, caramels and beiges are big trending tones for your talons this autumn; the earthy palette is a classic and elegant choice.
Get Sophie's look
Although we don't know the exact shade and brand that Sophie used, it's easy to emulate her daring royal manicure.
Try 'Taupe La' by Nailberry, a rich, sophisticated hue, and 'Rosewood Stardust' from Bio Sculpture, a delicious-looking brown with a subtle copper shimmer.
Sophie's rebellious nails
This isn't the first time that Sophie has defied royal beauty rules.
© GettyThe grey-taupe hue of Sophie's manicure back in 2020 was still considered a bold move. The royal sported the elegant colour as she decorated biscuits at Shooting Star House.
During her trip to New York City in 2022, the then-Countess of Wessex sported a vampy berry-coloured nail varnish. She paired her wintry nails with a black leather midi dress with a belted waist.
Toning it down slightly, Sophie – who is Royal Colonel of the 5th Battalion, The Rifles – drew attention to her candy pink manicure as she handed out mini medals to children of serving personnel in 2024.
