Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, had a fantastic time at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle yesterday, making an appearance at the Service for the Most Noble Order of the Garter. This, for those not in the know, is not an organisation dedicated to the elasticated fabric brides wear on their wedding days, but instead, an order of chivalry founded by King Edward III way back in 1348. It’s considered the most senior order of knighthood in our honour system, outranked only by the George Cross and the Victoria Cross. In short: a very, very big deal.
The Order of the Garter includes King Charles, who is Sovereign of the Garter, Prince William, Queen Camilla and Prince Edward – so it makes sense that both Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, showed up to show their support to their husbands.
They did so wearing sweet nods to their partners through the form of jewellery. Kate wore the same earrings she wore on her wedding day 15 years ago, while Sophie opted for earrings we believe are by Garrard & Co, the same designer who crafted both her engagement ring and her wedding jewellery.
Outfit-wise, while Kate opted for a dress in a butter yellow shade loved by Princess Diana, Sophie chose the Gabriella silk tea dress in a lovely floral design, from a label that is a favourite among the royal family, Suzannah London. The Duchess of Edinburgh completed the look with the same white bag she wore for Trooping the Colour, along with Jimmy Choo Rosalia 65 pumps.
But there was one particular accessory we had our eye on: Sophie’s pale pink scarf, which she held alongside her Valextra bag.
This, we reckon, is the ultimate underrated summer accessory – and it’s now royal-approved. Think about it: a pashmina wrap is a must for the season. Tie it around your bag strap during the day, then use it in place of a jacket for when the temperatures inevitably drop in the evening – or when the sun goes behind a cloud.
Sophie also wisely used her shawl for a pleasing pop of colour in her look, pulling out the pink present in the florals of her dress and on her hat, which is the work of royal-loved milliner Jane Taylor.
We’re not sure of the exact brand of scarf Sophie held, but if you do want to get the look, you’re welcome: we’ve found a fantastic copy from M&S for just £30.
Sophie and Kate evidently had a great time chatting together, photographed in a fit of giggles on the special day. Royal fans have decided Sophie and Kate are their new favourite duo, commenting on footage of them from the day to say how much they love ‘this friendship’. ‘Beautiful, sophisticated mothers, wives and royals,’ wrote one commenter, while another called the two women ‘lovely, classy ladies’.
This is far from the first time the duo have hung out together – or that they’ve been unable to stop laughing. Kate and Sophie were also paired up at Royal Ascot in 2017, as well as at 2023’s Order of the Garter procession – and both times, again, they were caught laughing. The Royal biographer Ingrid Seward has previously spoken about the Royals’ relationship, describing it as a ‘sisterly bond’.
‘Sophie is like the older sister Kate never had,’ Ingrid told Hello!. ‘They are both protective of their children. Sophie has had a young family, so she knows what it’s like trying to protect them while being in the royal world. She has been there in the background as part of a private support network.’
The pair shared a conversation before the Order of the Garter service began, which saw King Charles and Queen Camilla leading members of the Order in a procession in front of thousands of fans. You might have seen images of the King and Queen in grand velvet robes along with plumed hats – traditional for this highly-honoured ceremony.
Garter Day is marked by the Royal family granting the Order’s insignia to new members – this year Lord Hennessy of Nympsfield, Lord O’Donnell, and Lord Burnett of Maldon, whose appointments to the Order were announced on St George’s Day earlier this year. The members then attend a lunch hosted by the King, then all journey to the service in St George’s Chapel. All the members of the Order then head back to the Upper Ward of the castle in carriages and cars.
The Royal Family shared plenty of photos from the special occasion on Instagram, along with the caption: ‘The King and Queen, joined by members of the Royal Family, have attended a Service for the Most Noble Order of the Garter at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. Established by King Edward III nearly 700 years ago, The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain. Companions of the Garter are chosen personally by the Sovereign to honour those who have held public office, who have contributed in a particular way to national life or who have served the Sovereign personally.’
It’s been a busy few days of ceremony for the royals, with the King’s official birthday celebrations taking place in the form of Trooping the Colour on Saturday 13 June. Next up in the Royal diary? The Duke of Edinburgh is doing multiple visits today. Then, on 18 June, the Prince of Wales will visit the Apricot Centre in Dartington, Totnes.
