The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh at the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey, on May 6, 2023 in London, England.

Duchess Sophie looks ethereal in bridal-inspired gown to dazzle crowds in Westminster

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh wore a spellbinding gown to attend King Charles' coronation

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Senior Lifestyle & Fashion Writer
May 6, 2023

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh stepped into the royal spotlight on Saturday 6 May to witness the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Sophie, formerly the Countess of Wessex and Forfar, was a vision of perfection for the historic occasion at Westminster Abbey. The 58-year-old royal upped the style stakes in a beautiful bridal-worthy dress, complete with regal lace detail around the neckline and a billowing satin skirt.

WATCH: The historic moment King Charles is crowned

The royal paired her beautiful angelic gown with a royal cape for her official duties, walking into the Abbey accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and their children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, the Earl of Wessex.

© Getty

The family entered the Abbey together

Duchess Sophie's dress is designed by one of her go-to ateliers, Suzannah London. Her bespoke floor-length cream gown was crafted from sustainable crepe, adorned with a natural floral embroidery hand embroidered onto tulle using a traditional Irish technique.

© Getty

Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh and James Mountbatten-Windsor, the Earl of Wessex

Rich in symbolism, the Duchess of Edinburgh's hand-embroidered train is inspired by gowns and regalia from the Queen’s Coronation in 1953. 

Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation Gown

© PA Images

In 1953, a 25-year-old Queen Elizabeth II slipped into an extravagant white duchesse satin gown embroidered with strings of pearls, sequins and crystals. The Norman Hartnell-designed dress moreover featured embroidered national and Commonwealth floral emblems in gold, silver and pastel-coloured silks.

On top of her sumptuous gown, the late monarch wore a six-and-a-half-metre Robe of Estate - made by royal robe-makers Ede & Ravenscroft. It took a team of 12 seamstresses, using 18 types of gold thread, a whopping 3,500 hours to complete the Queen’s velvet robe.

Duchess Sophie's blonde tresses were effortlessly coiffed into a romantic chignon, elevated with a botanical headpiece for the grand affair. The final touch was a pair of ivory heels, the Rose, from Emmy London.

SHOP ROYAL-INSPIRED HEADPIECES

Ahead of the coronation, royal style fans eagerly anticipated the chance to see the senior royal ladies in tiaras, but reports of the Princess of Wales opting out of wearing the royal accessory quickly dulled the excitement. The royal ladies did not wear tiaras, instead choosing headpieces. Sophie's bespoke headpiece was crafted with handmade satin leaves to match the lace of her Suzannah dress. Her stunning fascinator was cast with silver snowdrops made from Swarovski crystals.

© Getty

The last time the Duchess of Edinburgh wore a tiara was in November 2022, when she donned a spellbinding aquamarine tiara to attend the state banquet hosted at Buckingham Palace. 

The royal's teal gown was pinned with the Royal Family Order and her blue Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order sash, both bestowed upon her by the late Queen. It was Duchess Sophie's glittering tiara that really completed her ethereal ensemble. 

The beautiful piece, which she debuted in 2005 during Prince Albert II of Monaco's enthronement celebrations, comes from her personal collection and is one of her go-to choices for similar state events.

Shop ivory occasionwear dresses like Sophie's

  • Karen Millen cape embellished dress

    Karen Millen's embellished cape dress is just the gown to stun in!

    Adorned with glistening sequins and beads, this floor-sweeping gown gives ethereal vibes while the cape adds drama.

  • Alie Street Beatrice lace dress

    Flaring out at the hem, this Alie Street maxi dress features delicate lace and a boat neckline for a simple, minimal - yet pretty - look.

  • Needle & Thread sequin ankle gown

    Taking inspiration from the 40s, this intricately embellished gown is packed with delicate sequins and scallop shapes, creating the most beautifully textured dress.

  • River Island bardot dress

    River Island's bardot-design dress is sexy yet demure, with drape shoulders and a satin finish to amp the drama.

  • Coast lace dress

    Coast's lace detailed dress will see you through christenings, the races and all your summer events.

    With a lace top and circular skirt, wear with contrasting navy or add polka dot details for a spot of fun.

  • Club L white cape dress

    Follow the coronation lead and opt for a white cape dress - this Club L London maxi has a bodycon aesthetic with a statement cape.

  • Rixo sequin white dress

    We're head over heels for Rixo's ivory sequin gown, covered in embellishment and with a figure-skimming, bias-cut skirt.

  • Mint Velvet feather-trimmed ivory dress

    It's all about the feather trim with Mint Velvet's feather-accented midi dress.

    The figure-skimming cut is forever flattering too.

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