Duchess Sophie makes a case for cropped jackets at 61 with cinched Prada style

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh smiling in white jacket

Prince Edward’s wife visited Airbus Defence and Space in Stevenage and opted for a cinched Prada wool jacket with a floaty skirt

he Duchess of Edinburgh was a picture of elegance on Tuesday as she stepped out for a solo outing to Airbus Defence and Space in Stevenage. The 61-year-old wife of Prince Edward wore a soft colour palette featuring cream and soft pinks – the perfect look for a warm spring day.

Her cream jacket was identified by a royal fashion blogger on Instagram as the ‘Gabardine Wool Jacket’ from the Italian luxury fashion house Prada. It featured a cropped fit, as well as a collared neckline and statement gold buttons.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh in white jacket and floral skirt arriving© UK Press via Getty Images
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh during a visit to Airbus Defence and Space on 5 May

Her skirt was the ‘Dugald Bouquet’ style from Gabriela Hearst, and it was billowing in style with a cinched waistline. It worked perfectly in offsetting the fitted style of her designer jacket.

Sophie tries out a remote control car © UK Press via Getty Images
Sophie’s heels came with pearl detailing

Also featuring in Sophie’s look were a pair of killer heels. Exuding luxury but in her characteristically understated fashion, the royal chose the ‘Rosalia 65’ pumps from Jimmy Choo, a £675 pair of kitten heels with pearl detailing.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh close up in white jacket

Sophie’s gold earrings tied in with the gold buttons on her cream jacket

Valextra’s ‘Brera crossbody micro bag’, which retails for £ 1,980 and features a top-handle silhouette and gold hardware, rounded off her look, alongside a pair of drop earrings from Adore Jewels.

A stylist breaks down Sophie’s look

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh looking at the Mars Yard Test Area covered in sand© UK Press via Getty Images
Sophie visited the Mars Yard Test Area during a visit to Airbus Defence and Space

“The jacket is particularly striking – a more neutral choice than we typically see from Sophie, who often leans towards florals and pattern,” fashion stylist Leanne Jones tells us. “That simplicity gives it a real sense of elegance, and the cropped cut works beautifully to define her silhouette. And of course, it’s Prada – always a strong addition to any wardrobe.”

Sophie’s cinched jackets

The Duchess of Edinburgh in blue jacket and trousers© PA Images via Getty Images
The Duchess of Edinburgh opted for another cropped jacket during a visit to Willowdene Farm in Bridgnorth, Shropshire

A cinched jacket has become a staple of Sophie’s spring/summer wardrobe for 2026. On 30 April, Sophie visited the craft and wellbeing centre of Willowdene Farm, a rehabilitation centre in Bridgnorth, Shropshire. She chose the navy ‘Nessie’ blazer by Joseph, which came with a high collarless neckline and was buttoned up.

The Duchess of Edinburgh smiling in navy jacket© PA Images via Getty Images
The Duchess of Edinburgh’s collarless jacket complemented the pie crust collar blouse underneath

Underneath, the royal slipped on a white pie crust blouse and created a fit and flare silhouette with a pair of wide-leg printed trousers. Creating a more casual finish were Sophie’s heeled espadrilles by Penelope Chilvers. Her footwear felt decidedly more relaxed than a pair of patent leather kitten heels, ensuring she conveyed a sense of approachability during the outing.