Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh was photographed at Windsor Castle this evening, attending a reception hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla for the 400th anniversary of the publication of the first Shakespeare Folio.
For the occasion, Sophie chose to debut a new dress from the brand Etro. The dress is the geometric-jacquard midi dress, and is long sleeve with an A-line skirt, and bold print in navy and gold.
The dress, which was originally priced at £1,035 is currently on sale and can be purchased for £517-£569.25 depending on the retailer.
The website description for the dress reads: “Marco di Vicenzo continues Etro’s affinity for graphic, bohemian patterns in this navy midi dress, which is jacquard-woven with ornate geometric motifs.”
Net-a-Porter’s Editor’s notes read: “Etro’s midi dress is cut from lightweight printed crepe de chine in a fluid shape that feels so effortless. The V-shaped neckline will beautifully frame a pendant.”
While the dress was certainly eye-catching, it was Sophie’s nail polish that was a far-cry away from her usual style choices.
Females members of the Royal Family are allowed to wear nail polish, although there used to be supposed rules around what colours were suitable for working royals when Queen Elizabeth II was alive.
Etiquette expert William Hanson explained “skin coloured” nail polish was preferred, “so hot red and bright pink, for example, are not correct, especially for official occasions and particularly during mourning”.
He told The Sun: “So it’s either translucent or dusky pink – so that would basically be the colour of your nails so it looks natural.”
Sophie has worn nail varnish on several occasions when attending public engagements – usually a deep red. Kate, Princess of Wales has only worn nail varnish once in public – a deep red for Easter Sunday Service earlier this year.
In terms of accessories for tonight’s outfit, Sophie chose her Sophie Habsburg Cleo Clutch in burgundy.
The bag is a small hand-painted python handbag, that comes with a shoulder/crossbody chain and a magnetic button closure. Sophie first wore this bag in public back in 2020 and has worn it five times this year, including tonight.
On her feet were a pair of Jimmy Choo Romy 85 Pumps in Navy Suede, priced at £575. They are a classic pointy toe pump that has been slightly updated with a softer point and a new stiletto heel. Leather lined with a leather sole, they are finished with a navy suede upper, and made in Italy.
Sophie has worn them six times since debuting them in November 2021. Princess Eugenie also owns the exact pair in the same colour and has worn hers seven times since 2017.
For jewellery, the Duchess rewore her Halcyon Days Hammered Torque Bangle in gold and pearl, and gold and amethyst.
