Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh smiles as she stands from the balcony during the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph on November 10, 2024 in London, England.  Each year members of the British Royal Family join politicians, veterans and members of the public to remember those who have died in combat.© Chris Jackson

Duchess Sophie enchants in pearls for moving appearance on Remembrance Sunday

The Duchess of Edinburgh remained posed and elegant during the Remembrance Sunday service

Senior Lifestyle & Fashion Writer
November 10, 2024

The Duchess of Edinburgh couldn't have looked more elegant as she graced the balcony of the Foreign Office overlooking the Cenotaph during the Remembrance Sunday service. 

Standing beside the Princess of Wales, the wife of Prince Edward remained stoic as she cut a sophisticated figure in a cowl-neck, long-sleeved black dress paired with a bow-adorned boater hat. 

WATCH: Duchess Sophie and Princess Kate watch the Remembrance Sunday service

Duchess Sophie's demure black ensemble was perfectly complemented by a string of pearls, which are typically worn during times of mourning to represent tears shed for lost loved ones. 

She elevated her monochrome outfit with a pair of delicate silver half-moon earrings adorned with a singular pearl. 

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburg during the Service Of Remembrance © Getty Images
Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh during the Service Of Remembrance

The mother-of-two, who shares Lady Louise Windsor and James, the Earl of Wessex with her husband Prince Edward, swept her golden blonde hair into a sleek low bun coiled at the nape of her neck. 

Keeping her beauty look bold yet refined, the Duchess wore a heavy black liner and a berry-hued lipstick.

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The Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Edinburgh look on from a balcony during the annual Service Of Remembrance

It is customary for British royals to wear black during times of mourning, of which Remembrance Day falls under the same rules. 

Famously, Queen Victoria spent 40 years wearing black in tribute to her late husband Prince Albert as an outward sign of her grief. 

© Samir Hussein/WireImage
The Duchess of Edinburgh lays a supportive hand on Kate's back during the Service Of Remembrance

Her sartorial choice has since become a sign of respect to honour those who have passed away, and is adopted by all members of the royal family when someone dies. 

© Riccardo Antimiani/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
The Duchess of Edinburgh previously wore the same dress during the funeral of the late Italian President Giorgio Napolitano

It's not the first time Sophie has worn the silhouette-skimming black dress. In September 2023, she wore the elegant gown to attend the State Funeral of the former Italian President and senator Giorgio Napolitano in Rome, as a representative from the British Royal Family. 

She also sported a diamond rose shaped brooch and matching black accessories as she arrived at the Palazzo Montecitorio.

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