Duchess of Edinburgh quietly becomes royal icon as Kate takes step back following cancer diagnosis

The Duchess of Edinburgh has quietly become a major royal icon as Princess Kate takes a step back amid her cancer diagnosis.

For example, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh wore a stunning 10-year-old Prada coat to join the King and Queen at the Easter matins service in Windsor last Sunday.

The 1960s-inspired design won Sophie, 59, plenty of style points.

According to The Telegraph, that shade of purple is making a comeback, as seen on the catwalks at Valentino, Ralph Lauren and Giambattista Valli.

Sophie has enjoyed a fashion transformation over the past decade, according to reports.

The mother-of-two has ditched the beige tights and sensible court shoes and updated her “newsreader haircut” for a sleek shoulder-length style.

Sophie has also assembled a wardrobe that suits her.

This effort has increased since Sophie became the Duchess of Edinburgh in March 2023.

Over the past year, she’s debuted new dresses by Erdem, Alexander McQueen and Emilia Wickstead, a suit by Gabriela Hearst, a skirt by Jil Sander and a new coat by Claire Mischevani.

She’s also worn a lot of clothing from Me + Em, a go-to label for Princess Kate and Meghan Markle.

As one of the current key senior working royals, being photographed is a part of Sophie's job.

Therefore, she is under pressure to get her outfit right every time she steps out.

Personal stylist Annabel Hodin told The Telegraph: “There’s nothing matronly here.

“She has transformed her look by wearing flattering tailoring and coordinated outfits, and this empowers and invigorates.

“She is building a youthful-yet-appropriate capsule wardrobe that works for her proportions and life.”

With both the King and the Princess of Wales undergoing cancer treatment, Sophie, along with Queen Camilla, Princess Anne and the Duke of Edinburgh, have had to step up more significantly this year than anticipated.

LATEST ROYAL NEWS:

• Eugenie's new 'confidence' seen in break from royal protocol
• Carole Middleton a 'driving force' amid Princess of Wales's diagnosis
• Meghan and Harry face Invictus Games headache as Duchess of Sussex adopts 'extraordinary' attitude

​Sophie tends to stick to fuller, ankle-length skirts, which suit her well.

She balances this silhouette with a belted waist and a heeled shoe.

Royal fans have also seen the duchess embrace more tailoring in the form of suits by Gabriela Hearst and Max Mara.

She sometimes wears a heel with wide-legged trousers, or boots and trainers for more informal engagements.