The sweet detail in Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Day outfit you probably missed - but Prince Edward won’t have!

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Day outfit featured jewelry that has special significance for her and Prince Edward

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Day outfit worn as she and Prince Edward attend the 2023 Commonwealth Day Service
(Image credit: Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty)

There’s a sweet detail in Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth outfit you probably missed - but Prince Edward won’t have! 


Stepping out just days after Sophie was granted a major title that Queen Consort Camilla once had but never used, the new Duchess of Edinburgh wowed in winter whites as she attended the Commonwealth Day Service 2023. This year’s service saw King Charles deliver his first Commonwealth Day address as monarch and he was joined by only a few senior royals as he marked this important occasion. 

For the big day Sophie oozed retro elegance with a white pillar box hat that featured a black bow detail at the back which she paired with a tailored coat with statement black buttons. But there was another sweet detail in Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Day outfit you might not have noticed - though Prince Edward will have!

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh attends the 2023 Commonwealth Day Service

(Image credit: Photo by Neil Mockford/GC Images via Getty)

The Duchess of Edinburgh opted to bring out one of her most special jewelry pieces on Commonwealth Day as she paid tribute to the love of her life. Prince Edward and Sophie’s was the royal wedding watched more at the time than Prince Harry and Meghan’s and also took place at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. 

As we would expect from the wedding of one of the Queen’s children the bride’s jewelry was magnificent and included some iconic pearl earrings. Featuring a single white pearl set above a black pearl in a sophisticated drop design, Sophie’s wedding earrings coordinated perfectly with the black and white pearl cross necklace she wore to tie the knot with Prince Edward.

Sophie's wedding earrings worn on separate occasions

(Image credit: Future// Image 1: Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty//Image 2: Photo by Anwar Hussein/Getty Images)

The unique earrings were reportedly designed by Prince Edward himself, adding even more sweet significance to these special pieces. The way they were part of Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Day outfit could be seen as equally meaningful. Not only did it pay tribute to her beloved husband, her choice of earrings could be seen to celebrate one of the biggest moments of her entire life.

Whilst the timing of Sophie re-wearing the pearl earrings might potentially add another layer of importance to the choice. When she and Prince Edward married it was announced, as per Edinburgh Live, that the couple would one day become Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. 

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh attend the 2023 Commonwealth Day Service

(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

“The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales have also agreed that the Prince Edward should be given the Dukedom of Edinburgh in due course, when the present title held now by Prince Philip eventually reverts to the Crown,” Buckingham Palace declared. 

Now this has finally come to pass and although the Commonwealth Day service wasn’t the Edinburghs’ first engagement since taking on their new titles, it was their first surrounded by other members of the Royal Family. Sophie’s decision to re-wear these special earrings comes as she and Prince Edward are set to celebrate their 24th wedding anniversary in June. 

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!