EXCLUSIVEHow Kate Middleton and Duchess Sophie are subtly supporting each other with everyday choices
The Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Edinburgh are said to share a close friendship.
Both women hail from middle-class backgrounds before marrying into the Royal Family, and their bond seems to extend to their fashion choices, with the two often wearing the same colours on separate occasions.
Kate and Sophie are well-versed in the 'language of clothes,' adhering to royal protocol while showcasing their individuality and dressing in ways that suit their body shapes.
Kate Moss-Jones, a style consultant at House of Colour, believes their fashion choices are closely aligned, though they show distinct preferences in silhouettes and details.
'I like to think of Kate and Sophie supporting each other with their style and outfit ideas, as we know they are close, and this is often reflected in what they wear,' she tells MailOnline.
'Although they have different skin tones and therefore suit different colour palettes, their style personalities are aligned, which is why they look great in similar outfits.
'They both suit "classic" styles that are timeless and elegant, but with slight variations.
'Sophie tends to incorporate feminine touches, such as puffed sleeves and fluid fabrics, to complement her softer body architecture.
'In contrast, Kate prefers a more structured finish, which flatters her more angular architecture and wonderful shape.
'It's fascinating to see Sophie taking inspiration from Kate and vice versa.'
Colour-block statement
In January, Sophie visited the Community Shop Lambeth in London, wearing a Whistles jumper, an Alberta Ferretti skirt and Jimmy Choo boots.
Her colour-block look resembled one worn by Kate for a trip to the Natural History Museum in 2019.
She teamed a Warehouse pointelle sweater with flattering Jigsaw culottes and Tod's pumps in matching hues.
In January, Sophie visited the Community Shop Lambeth in London, wearing a Whistles jumper, Alberta Ferretti skirt and Jimmy Choo boots. Her colour-block look resembled one worn by Kate for a trip to the Natural History Museum in 2019
Coral elegance
Sophie and Kate have both showcased coral ensembles by Emilia Wickstead, paired with Jane Taylor hats.
Sophie led the way in 2017, attending Royal Ascot in a striking dress and straw boater adorned with silk roses.
Kate followed suit, wearing a fit-and-flare coat dress with a flamboyant Jane Taylor hat, perfectly embodying timeless sophistication.
Kate explains: 'They both look wonderful in coral pink, showing us their preferences for the trends of the time.
'Kate's look highlights her signature 'less is more' approach, allowing her kind nature to shine through, whilst Sophie prefers a softer design to flatter her gentle personality.'
Sophie and Kate have both showcased coral ensembles by Emilia Wickstead, paired with Jane Taylor hats
Teal allure
During a 2023 reception at the Edinburgh City Chambers to mark the one-year anniversary of the city's response to the Ukraine invasion, Sophie exuded elegance in a teal Roksanda dress.
Similarly, Kate made a bold choice in head-to-toe teal for St Patrick's Day 2023, veering from her usual dark green.
Her bespoke Catherine Walker coat featured a stand collar and distinctively spaced buttons, mirroring the uniform of the Irish Guards.
Kate Moss-Jones explains: 'Kate's outfit is very tailored, which is totally striking on her, while Sophie's is more pretty and feminine - puff sleeves and a loose skirt.'
During a 2023 reception at the Edinburgh City Chambers, Sophie exuded elegance in a teal Roksanda dress. Similarly, Kate made a bold choice in head-to-toe teal for St Patrick's Day 2023, veering from her usual dark green
Camel chic
Last year, Sophie echoed a tonal look previously worn by Kate in 2022.
Visiting the Right Stuff Amateur Boxing Club in Staffordshire, Sophie teamed a camel Reiss knitted dress with Gianvito Rossi suede boots and an Isabel Marant studded bag.
It resembled the outfit that Kate wore in Scarborough, which comprised a cosy Max&Co coat, Gabriela Hearst knitted dress, Ralph Lauren pumps and DeMellier bag.
Kate says: 'While camel coats look fabulous on them both, they have slight key differences. Kate's is more traditional and fitted, whereas Sophie's coat is less tailored and slightly oversized.'
Last year, Sophie echoed a tonal look previously worn by Kate in 2022
Forest green flair
In September 2023, Kate revisited her Burberry forest green trouser suit while touring Yorkshire's AW Hainsworth textile mill.
She styled the tailored two-piece with a white Holland Cooper bodysuit and Emmy London heels.
In January 2024, Sophie followed suit, donning a similar Victoria Beckham trouser suit, incorporating a longline blazer and high-waisted trousers.
In September 2023, Kate revisited her Burberry forest green trouser suit while touring Yorkshire's AW Hainsworth textile mill. In January 2024, Sophie followed, donning a similar Victoria Beckham trouser suit
Silver shimmer
The royals' shimmering aesthetic was evident when they stepped out wearing striking Erdem dresses in 2017 and 2023, respectively.
Kate chose a metallic lace dress for the UK-India Year of Culture launch in 2017 and Sophie opted for a floor-length version at the 2022 Royal Variety Performance.
Sophie rewore her dress in 2023 during her visit to Canada as Colonel-in-Chief of the Lincoln and Welland Regiment.
The royals' shimmering aesthetic was evident when they stepped out wearing striking Erdem dresses in 2017 and 2023, respectively
Golden glow
Kate dazzled in a pastel yellow Emilia Wickstead coat dress during the Jubilee Thanksgiving Service in 2022.
She accessorised with a chic Philip Treacy hat, Forever New clutch and Gianvito Rossi heels, demonstrating her flair for monochromatic style.
At Trooping the Colour 2024, Sophie mirrored the look with a Beulah London dress in a similar hue, topped with a standout Jane Taylor hat.
Kate dazzled in a pastel yellow Emilia Wickstead coat dress during the Jubilee Thanksgiving Service in 2022. At Trooping the Colour 2024, Sophie mirrored the look with a Beulah London dress in a similar hue
Blush bliss
Sophie captivated onlookers at Royal Ascot 2023 in a pale pink Suzannah London dress.
The 1940s-inspired design was complemented by a wide-brimmed hat by Jane Taylor and coordinating accessories.
Kate wore an icy pink Beulah dress in the same year to reopen the Young V&A museum in London, pairing it with white Gianvito Rossi pumps for a striking contrast.
Sophie captivated onlookers at Royal Ascot 2023 in a pale pink Suzannah London dress. Kate wore an icy pink Beulah dress in the same year to reopen the Young V&A museum in London
Khaki cool
Kate's olive green Alexander McQueen military coat, worn on Christmas Day 2022, inspired Sophie's choice the following year.
The Princess' design featured a stand-up collar, patch pockets and a pleated skirt, styled with dark brown Stuart Weitzman boots and a Philip Treacy hat.
Sophie's Claire Mischevani coat, with a funnel neck and bow details, mirrored the silhouette but was paired with Jimmy Choo pumps and a Jane Taylor boater.
Kate's olive green Alexander McQueen military coat, worn on Christmas Day 2022, inspired Sophie's choice the following year
Cornflower dream
The duo's fashion closeness was also highlighted by these two striking cornflower blue ensembles
Kate debuted an Alexander McQueen coat dress during a 2014 walkabout in New Zealand, later rewearing it for a D-Day tribute.
Sophie donned a custom Suzannah dress, in an identical shade, for the 2018 Christmas Day service.
She has frequently revisited the look, including at the 2023 Together at Christmas carol concert.
The duo's fashion closeness was also highlighted by these two striking cornflower blue ensembles
