Before she became the Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie Rhys-Jones had no time for royal romances. In her twenties, the bright blonde PR executive had landed a job at Capital Radio, going on to set up her own successful PR business by 31.
It was her career that ultimately led her to fairytale beginnings, however, when a flustered Prince Edward fell head over heels for Sophie when they met by chance at the prince’s Real Tennis Challenge event.
© Richard Young/ShutterstockIt was then that Sophie, a little-known-about London girl became the latest royal It-girl - and her timeless fashion from the nineties proves she was an unmistakably elegant style figure of her time.
From tailored mini skirts to head-turning trouser suits, see the Duchess of Edinburgh's boldest business-babe fashion looks before she became Prince Edward's bride.
Duchess Sophie's best fashion moments before royalty
© ShutterstockThe date night outfit
In 1994, Sophie bloomed in a black turtleneck and tube skirt combo, rocking a 1990s classic pixie cut and a rosy red lip.
© ShutterstockSporty Sophie
The late Princess Diana's ever-famous ensemble of trainers, biker shorts and an oversized sweatshirt has been hailed as one of her most recognisable looks to date - but the Duchess of Edinburgh was an equally sporty chick at the time.
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© Brendan Beirne/ShutterstockThe summer mini dress
Sophie's berry-red belted mini dress and cropped khaki jacket worn on a summer day in London is giving us major Gossip Girl nostalgia.
© Dennis Stone/ShutterstockLondon Gatwick's brightest passenger
By 1995, Prince Edward and Sophie were openly dating, but her love for loud prints and bold outfits hadn't yet fallen victim to the royal etiquette rules.
Here, she's seen rocking a thigh-high mini skirt with kitten heels and a vivid orange blouse to arrive at London Gatwick with her royal beau.
© Murphy/ShutterstockOff-duty model aesthetic
Sophie's loafers, jeans and baggy white blouse combination is serving up serious off-duty model vibes.
© Steve Back/Daily Mail/ShutterstockSophie's sage green suit
The post-engagement glow was evident in 1999. Proving a power suit never goes out of style, Sophie's sage trouser suit look can be seen on all of London's It-girls today.
Giving her daytime look a luxe feel, the royal teamed her corporate get-up with leather heeled boots.
