Duchess Sophie Wears Elevated Dress & Blazer Combo (and There’s a Hidden Meaning)

She wore a Max Mara green silk dress with a Prada white gabardine wool jacket, along with small drop earrings by Giulia Barela. The dress, which is covered with a spring-inspired leaf pattern, is complete with a classic collar, gathered cuffs and a belted waist. But that’s not the interesting part: It’s also called the “Wales” dress by the designer.

In case you need a refresher, Duchess Sophie is Prince William’s aunt by marriage, and he and his wife, Kate Middleton, are the Prince and Princess of Wales. This discreet nod to their affiliation reminded me of their seemingly increasing closeness, which PureWow senior director, special projects and royals Rachel Bowie noted last year.

“There was the viral moment at Trooping the Colour [last June] when Sophie lovingly placed her hand on Prince William’s back,” Bowie explains. “During the Order of the Garter service at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle [last June], Sophie and William were spotted joyfully chatting as they departed the ceremony. They also tag-teamed a royal event together…following King Charles’s coronation, attending the Royal Foundation’s screening of the documentary Rhino Man at the Battersea Power Station. Royal watchers were buzzing about the surprise aunt/nephew match-up, which felt genuine.”

Perhaps her choice of dress is an homage to her nephew. But she’s not the first royal to hide royal references in her clothing. For instance, Kate sported a Sentaler coat by a Canadian-based designer for her royal tour of Canada. Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, wore the “husband” shirt to an Invictus Games event with Prince Harry well ahead of announcing their engagement. Most iconically, the late Princess Diana’s ensembles often had hidden (or not-so-hidden) meanings for the public to discuss and disseminate, like the black sheep sweater and the “revenge” dress.

I guess Sophie’s dress choice could technically be a coincidence. But I prefer to think of it as an Easter egg for royals fans to uncover.