Duchess Sophie and Queen Camilla spark a frenzy at royal garden party | Royal | News

King Charles officially ushered in the start of the royal summer social season yesterday as senior members of the Royal Family gathered at Buckingham Palace for the first garden party of the year, despite the rather grey British weather. Alongside Their Majesties, guests were welcomed by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, with this year’s events set to honour frontline workers from across the UK.

However, it was Duchess Sophie and Queen Camilla who became the real talking points of the afternoon, turning heads in impeccably polished ensembles that once again showcased the enduring power of leading British fashion. Meanwhile, the Prince and Princess of Wales were notably absent.

Princess Catherine, 44, instead stepped out in London to launch her new Early Childhood Guide ahead of an upcoming two-day working visit to Italy next week.

The Duchess of Edinburgh opted for a sophisticated pastel dress from British label Beulah London’s which retails for £695.

The elegant midi featured the feminine tailoring and timeless silhouette Sophie, 61, regularly gravitates towards, striking that perfect balance between polished and understated.

She paired the look with a Sophie Habsburg clutch, patent leather pumps and a coordinating statement hat, pulling the entire outfit together with effortless ease. Adding an extra layer of glamour, the Duchess accessorised with sparkling jewellery reportedly worth more than £10,000, which subtly elevated the soft spring palette without overpowering it.

Fans hailed the “stunning” look, with one royal fan taking to X and writing: “I just love Sophie. She always looks effortlessly elegant and gracious.” A second agreed and penned, “She looks stunning. It’s a perfect colour for her.”

Meanwhile, Queen Camilla embraced classic royal dressing in a Fiona Clare coat dress, styled alongside a Launer London handbag and a pair of timeless Chanel pumps.

The structured silhouette and soft neutral tones created an elegant and refined appearance fitting for the occasion.

Sparking a royal frenzy, fans felt she stole “the show”, writing on social media, “The beautiful blue hat and dress are a knockout – the Queen steals the show!” A second chimed in, “Very elegant ensemble and perfect for today’s event, however, the brooch is absolutely stunning.”

The Queen’s glittering brooch drew significant attention from watchers and is reportedly worth around £30,000.

The striking piece features a large cabochon moonstone surrounded by delicate diamonds and has become an increasingly familiar addition to the Queen’s jewellery collection over recent years.

The brooch first appeared publicly during Royal Ascot in 2022 before later being worn during Camilla’s first state visit as Queen, when she welcomed the President of South Africa to Buckingham Palace later that same year.

Given the timeline, many royal observers believe the piece was unlikely to have come from Queen Elizabeth II’s personal collection, leading to speculation it may instead have been gifted to Her Majesty by King Charles or another close family member around the time of her 75th birthday in July 2022.

Yesterday’s event marked the beginning of a busy run of royal garden parties taking place throughout May, with further receptions scheduled at Buckingham Palace on May 8 and May 12.

Additional themed garden parties supporting specific charities will also be held later this month, before members of the Royal Family travel to Scotland for the annual Palace of Holyroodhouse garden party during Royal Week in June.