Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh wears £1,035 dress and peach nail polish

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh was photographed at Windsor Castle this evening attending a reception hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla to mark the 400th anniversary of the publication of the first folio of Shakespeare.

For the occasion, Sophie decided to present a new dress from the Etro brand. The dress is a geometric jacquard midi dress with long sleeves, an A-line skirt and a bold navy and gold print.

The dress, which was originally priced at £1,035, is currently on sale and can be purchased for between £517 and £569.25 depending on the retailer.

The dress’s website description reads, “Marco di Vicenzo continues Etro’s penchant for graphic, bohemian patterns in this navy blue midi dress, woven from jacquard with intricate geometric motifs.”

An editor’s note from Net-a-Porter states: “Etro’s midi dress is cut from lightweight, printed crepe de chine in a fluid shape that feels so effortless. The V-shaped neckline makes a beautiful frame for a pendant.”

While the dress was definitely a head turner, it was Sophie’s nail polish that was a far cry from her usual style choices.

Female members of the royal family are allowed to wear nail polish, although during Queen Elizabeth II’s lifetime there were reportedly rules as to what colors were appropriate for working royals.

Etiquette expert William Hanson explained that “flesh colored” nail polish is preferred, “hence, for example, bright red and bright pink are not correct, especially on official occasions and especially during mourning”.

He told The Sun: “So it’s either translucent or deep pink – so that would basically be the color of your nails to make it look natural.”

Sophie has worn nail polish in public on a number of occasions – mostly a bright red. Kate, Princess of Wales has only worn nail polish in public once – a deep red for the Easter Sunday service earlier this year.

As an accessory for today’s outfit, Sophie chose her Sophie Habsburg Cleo clutch in burgundy.

The bag is a small hand-painted python handbag that features a shoulder/crossbody chain and magnetic button closure. Sophie first wore this bag in public in 2020 and has carried it five times this year, including tonight.

On her feet, she wore a pair of Jimmy Choo Romy 85 pumps in navy suede, priced at £575. These are classic pointed-toe pumps that have been slightly updated with a softer toe and a new stiletto heel. They are lined with leather, have a leather sole, navy suede uppers and are made in Italy.

Sophie has worn them six times since debuting in November 2021. Princess Eugenie also owns the exact pair in the same color and has worn hers seven times since 2017.

For jewelry, the Duchess re-wears her Halcyon Days Hammered Torque bangle in gold and pearls and gold and amethyst.