The Duchess of Edinburgh close up in black blazer

The Duchess of Edinburgh seemed to take style cues from the Princess of Wales at an exhibition viewing at Royal Horticultural Halls

he Duchess of Edinburgh looked classically elegant on 15 April as she attended a special viewing of the Defying Limits, Defining Art: 70 Years of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists exhibition, in The Lindley Hall at the Royal Horticultural Halls, London.

The 61-year-old wife of Prince Edward stunned in a waist-defining Prada blazer in black, which she wore buttoned up to accentuate the cinched effect.

The Duchess of Edinburgh meeting an artist in a wheelchair© PA Images via Getty Images
The Duchess of Edinburgh wore a Prada blazer while meeting an artist at a special viewing of the Defying Limits, Defining Art exhibit

She paired it with a white pleated midi skirt, worn previously in her 60th birthday portrait, and her go-to patent nude heels by Jimmy Choo, the ‘Rosalia 65’ Ballet Pink Patent Pointed Pumps’, as identified by Royal Fashion Police.

The Duchess of Edinburgh in a black blazer with a pleated white skirt © PA Images via Getty Images
The Duchess of Edinburgh paired a Prada blazer with a pleated white skirt

Adding the finishing touches, Sophie added Sophie Habsburg’s ‘Lunatic’ clutch and an intricate pair of Giulia Barela earrings. It’s a look that certainly caught the eye of Leanne Jones, a fashion stylist who trained at the London College of Style.

Sophie’s Prada look in detail

The Duchess of Edinburgh in black blazer talking to artist© PA Images via Getty Images
The Duchess of Edinburgh’s blazer cinched at the waist to create a sculpted look

“This is a fantastic look for Sophie. We’re so used to seeing her in full and patterned dresses, so this two-piece monochromatic option feels like a head-turning shift.” The stylist explains that it is the cut of the blazer that is particularly striking.

“She often leans towards longer, more relaxed jackets, but this nipped-in waist creates a beautifully defined silhouette, while the flowing skirt softens the look and adds a feminine contrast,” says Leanne.

The fit and flare look has a feel of the 1950s

The fit and flare look has a feel of the 1950s

“The beige accessories, especially the classic nude courts, are a subtle but effective way to elevate the outfit – there’s a definite nod to Princess Kate with these too! Monochrome dressing like this really suits Sophie; it feels modern, confident, and considered.”

Royal style muse

Catherine, Princess of Wales side on in white dress and hat© Getty
The Princess of Wales attended the Order of the Garter service in a similar look last summer

Not only is the considered tonal aspect of Duchess Sophie’s look taking cues from Kate, but also the use of a cinched blazer with a floatier skirt. The princess perfected this style pairing in June 2025 at the Order of the Garter service at Windsor Castle.

Catherine, Princess of Wales waves as she departs the reopening of the National Portrait Gallery on June 20, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)© Getty Images
The Princess of Wales wore a look with a similar silhouette to Sophie’s at the reopening of the National Portrait Gallery

Her Self-Portrait look featured a lace-adorned midi skirt with a built-in structured blazer, and she paired it with nude heels – just like Sophie. She opted for a similar look in 2023 while attending the National Gallery re-opening.

A fabulous evening look

duchess sophie and Lady Helen Taylor© Dave Benett/Getty Images
Sophie was joined by Lady Helen Taylor at the easons For Hope Gala

Sophie’s outing came after her attendance at the Reasons For Hope Gala, celebrating Dr Jane Goodall’s legacy in support of the Jane Goodall Institute UK at The Peninsula London. For this evening occasion, which saw her catch up with the Duke of Kent’s daughter, Lady Helen Taylor, while sporting the lovely ‘Hypnotic Sheath Dress’ by the Australian brand, Zimmermann.

duchess sophie jane goodall event© Dave Benett/Getty Images
Sophie teamed her Zimmermann dress with a gold clutch

The £1,193 long-sleeved number featured a leaf print in a light brown hue, which tied in well with her gold clutch bag.