The Princess of Wales and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, are two of the most senior members of the Royal Family. The working royals each have their own busy rota of patronages, engagements and responsibilities, so their schedules only tend to overlap for key occasions such as Remembrance Day, or major social gatherings like Royal Ascot. Usually, the pair can be found side-by-side at such events, supporting each other morally as well as – during one largely forgotten incident – physically.
At Royal Ascot in 2017, the Duchess of Edinburgh tried to stand up in a carriage and almost tumbled over. Luckily, the Princess of Wales was there to catch her, putting her arms out to help hold Sophier up. The moment was captured by a photographer, who snapped Sophie mid-fall as the pair were screaming in laughter, demonstrating their close bond and genuine friendship.
The Royal Family has a long history with Ascot, with members having attended for hundreds of years. A carriage procession is a traditional part of the annual event and, in 2017, the Duchess joined the Prince and Princess of Wales in their open-top carriage to wave to the crowds, alongside her husband Prince Edward (the King’s brother and Queen Elizabeth’s youngest son). The Duchess of Edinburgh usually attends multiple days of the horse-racing event each year, including on her wedding anniversary with Prince Edward. The couple have now been married for 27 years and celebrate the occasion with a day at the races together.
Both Kate and Sophie attended Royal Ascot this year on 17 June, with Sophie also joining on 18 and 19 June (her anniversary). While the Princess went for a bold shade of yellow, re-wearing a Roksanda dress she’s previously chosen for Wimbledon, the Duchess went in a very different direction.
In a highly unusual move, Sophie chose to wear dark monochrome looks for multiple days of the racing. On day two, she went for a silk gown by one of her favourite designers, Suzannah London, featuring puff sleeves and a giant bow – all in black. The following day, Sophie wore another piece by the same designer, this time opting for a partially sheer organza dress in deep navy.
Sophie usually wears lighter colours and neutrals or bright prints, particularly for summer events, so this year’s Ascot looks were unexpected choices. On day four of the event, however, she chose a pastel blue top and skirt with a co-ordinating hat, for a more traditional ensemble.
