The Duchess of Edinburgh once again reigned supreme in the style stakes as she joined her royal family members at day three of Royal Ascot on Thursday.
Sophie, 59, was summer personified in an ethereal dress by Suzannah London. With a smart collar, full-length skirt and all-over wildflower motifs, the wife of Prince Edward stood out amongst the raceday revellers in her ultra-flattering ensemble.
© GettyFor those in the prestigious royal enclosure, the strict sartorial rules require all guests to don their most marvellous millinery. "Hats must be worn. However, a headpiece or hatinator with a minimum base diameter of 4 inches/10cm is acceptable," is the advice on the official website.
The mother-of-two adhered to Royal Ascot's strict dress code with the addition of a mauve hat crafted by Jane Taylor millinery, while also carrying a fuschia clutch bag from Sophie Habsburg.
© GettyAmongst her new finery, the Duchess appeared to wear a pair of vintage pointed-toe mules believed to have been in her wardrobe for more than a decade, per Remoulade Sauce on X.
© GettyRoyal Ascot is considered to be the most glamorous occasion in the royal family's calendar. The Duchess of Edinburgh made an entrance onto the world-famous racecourse via a horse-drawn carriage, sharing her moment in the spotlight with her husband Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh.
Sophie and Edward's daughter Lady Louise Windsor, 20, is yet to make her Royal Ascot debut. After her head-turning appearance at Trooping the Colour, many royal fans wondered if the young royal, who is currently studying at St Andrews university, would finally join her family members at the prestigious race day.
© GettyGrant Harrold, former butler to King Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry, recently revealed on Lord Ping's podcast that Ascot was considered to be the "Christmas" of the royal's social agenda.
"The King definitely enjoys the horse racing and he attends all of the different events and we've seen him at lots of meetings. I still think the late Queen was more into that part of what she did, she loved horses," added Grant.
"The King does as well, but it's slightly less. I don't think we'll see The King jumping up and down and running around the royal box when they have a winner, so it's slightly different."
Duchess Sophie's Ascot style
© GettyThe Duchess of Edinburgh looked equally glamorous on day two of the racing event, which just happened to be her silver wedding anniversary to Prince Edward.
She wowed in a bridal white Suzannah London dress boasting a high neckline, sheer sleeves, and an ankle-grazing skirt - perhaps a subtle nod to the special anniversary?
© GettyPrincess Beatrice, meanwhile, surprised onlookers by donning the exact same dress Sophie had worn to attend the Garter Day celebrations on Monday.
Hailing from popular brand Zimmerman, the 'Matchmaker Floral Linen and Silk Midi Dress' was adorned with huge blooms and cost around £1,300.
Just 48 hours later, Princess Beatrice of York donned the same design to Royal Ascot, styling hers with a beautiful floral headband in soft blush pink.
