Duchess Sophie trades formal gowns for military camouflage and a chignon hairstyle, showcasing her comfort in both military attire and regal apparel.
Duchess Sophie Switches Up Style for Military Visit
The Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, recently visited two Battalions of The Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) on 31st July. As their Colonel-in-Chief, she took on the role with grace and adaptability, changing her outfit to suit the demands of her visit.
For the initial part of the visit, she donned a polished Emilia Wickstead blue and white midi shirt dress, paired with sand-coloured heels. However, during her tour of the 6 Armoured Close Support Battalion REME at the Salisbury Plain Training Area, she swapped her formal attire for a more practical look.
Sophie exchanged her dress and heels for a camouflage jacket, sturdy boots, and trousers. This outfit change was necessary as she observed the battalion's work maintaining and repairing armored vehicles—activities that required a more hands-on approach and were incompatible with her initial attire.
Fiona McKim, woman&home's Digital Beauty Editor, offers tips for recreating the Duchess's messy French twist-meets-chignon hairstyle. Prep is key, with day two hair and a texturizing spray recommended. Sam McKnight's Cool Girl texturizing spray is suggested for the hairstyle prep. For holding the hairstyle in place, U-shaped grips with a large gap, like these, are recommended.
The Duchess's focus on functionality over formality during this part of the visit highlights her dual role: embodying royal regalia and decorum at formal events while also prioritizing practicality and solidarity with military personnel during active engagements.
Interestingly, the Duchess's hairstyle isn't one of the 2025 hair trends for summer. However, its practicality and versatility, suitable for both elegant items like midi dresses and military looks, make it a timeless choice.
The new biography "Sophie: Saving the Royal Family" delves into the life of the Duchess of Edinburgh and explores her impact on the Royal Family. Author Sean Smith reflects upon the Duchess's marriage to Prince Edward and her bond with the late Queen Elizabeth.
Sophie's role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Corps of REME was previously held by her late husband, Prince Philip, for over 50 years. In addition to her role with the Corps of REME, she is also Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Corps of Army Music, Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, and two military positions in Canada.
[1] The Mirror. (2021, August 2). Duchess Sophie Wickstead dress: Duchess of Edinburgh wears Emilia Wickstead for military visit. Retrieved from https://www.mirror.co.uk/360entertainment/celebrity-news/duchess-sophie-wickstead-dress-duchess-24385544
[2] Hello! Magazine. (2021, August 2). Duchess Sophie changes outfits to visit The Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers on Salisbury Plain. Retrieved from https://www.hellomagazine.com/royal-husband-and-wife/2021080212227/duchess-sophie-changes-outfits-to-visit-the-corps-of-royal-electrical-and-mechanical-engineers-on-salisbury-plain/
[3] Town & Country. (2021, August 2). Duchess Sophie Changed Outfits During Her Military Visit Today. Retrieved from https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a37671067/duchess-of-edinburgh-outfit-change-military-visit/
[4] Harper's Bazaar. (2021, August 2). Duchess Sophie Changed Outfits During Her Military Visit Today. Retrieved from https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/fashion-news/a37671067/duchess-of-edinburgh-outfit-change-military-visit/
- The Duchess of Edinburgh's fashion choices, ranging from Emilia Wickstead's elegant designs to practical camouflage jackets and sturdy boots, are often emulated on social media platforms like fashion-and-beauty websites and home-and-garden blogs.
- After her visit to the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, #DuchessOfEdinburghOutfitChange became a trending topic on social media, sparking conversations about her transitions between formal and practical styles.
- If you're looking to recreate the Duchess's messy French twist-meets-chignon hairstyle, books like "The New Hair Bible" by Nicola Clarke or online tutorials on websites like books, shopping, and lifestyle platforms can provide insights and tips.
- Apart from enchanting the fashion world, the Duchess of Edinburgh is also making an impact in the realms of health and wellness by advocating for mental health awareness and supporting various initiatives focused on well-being within her family and the royal court.
- It's not uncommon for admirers of the Duchess to find themselves captivated by aspects of her life beyond fashion—from her role as a mother within her family to her role as Colonel-in-Chief of several military units in the UK and Canada.
- The Duchess of Edinburgh's biography, "Sophie: Saving the Royal Family," is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about her role within the royal family, her marriage to Prince Edward, and her bond with the late Queen Elizabeth.
- As the partners of celebrities navigating the world of pop-culture, it's inspiring to witness the Duchess's personal approach to lifestyle—blending timeless elegance with practicality, thus setting an example worth emulating.
- Whether you're interested in the latest hair trends or the practicality of the Duchess's messy French twist-meets-chignon, fashion, beauty, home, and garden, books, shopping, social media, entertainment, or celebrity gossip, it's safe to say that the Duchess of Edinburgh's style choices strike a chord with a diverse range of enthusiasts.
