The Duchess of Edinburgh epitomizes poise and understated elegance in every public engagement.
However, it certainly wasn't an understated look the then-Countess of Wessex was going for in 2001 when she rocked a rainbow ensemble on day three of Royal Ascot that royal fans could never picture Prince Edward's wife in now.
© GettySophie, now 59, was spotted alongside her husband wearing a tweed fitted jacket and matching pencil skirts in horizontal panels of sky blue, lime green, coral, and hot pink.
© GettyThe two-piece co-ord which had frayed detailing and a sharp collar was styled with a pair of taupe heels, as well as a huge cream hat. The mother-of-two also carried an off-white box bag and wore a beaded necklace.
© Pool/Tim Graham Picture LibraryRoyal followers have become accustomed to Sophie's bouncy blow-drys, however, 2001 was the year of the crop which fell just below her ears. It is the same hairstyle the Duchess modelled two years prior when she wed Prince Edward at St George's Chapel.
© GettyThe King's sister-in-law's rainbow look was a real standout of the year as she wore more muted looks on the majority of her engagements across the year.
In July 2001, she wore a far more reserved look at an Anti-cancer Association reception on the grounds of Government House on the Isle Of Man. The royal opted for a neutral lace dress with nude heels and minimal jewellery.
© GettyShe incorporated colour, but in a quieter fashion, into her look from April 2001 when she visited the Landmark Mall in Qatar. Sophie wore a lilac fitted dress with three-quarter-length sleeves and a V-shaped neckline and re-used her heels and box bag from Ascot.
Duchess Sophie's modern Ascot fashion
© GettyThe Duchess has continued to attend Royal Ascot. The highlight of Sophie's wardrobe this year was a full-length sheer white dress with floral appliques over the entire garment from Suzannah London.
The royal styled the bridal white piece, which incidentally she wore to the event which fell on her wedding anniversary, with a large Jane Taylor hat and her 'Charlotte' pumps from Emmy London.
© GettyMeanwhile, in 2023 Sophie wore a beautiful floral dress, once again from Suzannah London, with a cinched waistline and floaty skirt.
The figure-flattering number was teamed with an unusual blue hat covered in pansies and Prada heels.
© Karwai TangDISCOVER: The special trait Duchess Sophie has passed down to daughter Lady Louise
It was the Princess of Wales who carried the baton for bright Ascot dressing last year as she arrived in an unmissable red dress from Alexander McQueen with a matching Philip Treacy hat and unexpected statement earrings from Sezane which stole the show.
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