The Duchess of Edinburgh joined Queen Camilla for a rare joint engagement on Thursday evening, attending the Biennial RIFLES Awards Dinner at the City of London Guildhall. For the celebratory occasion, which takes place once every two years, the 60-year-old royal opted for a glamorous ensemble befitting the event.
Sophie wore a midnight blue velvet dress with short sleeves, cut just above the ankle. The sumptuous fabric, synonymous with luxury and elegance, was cinched at the waist with a sparkling belt that contrasted beautifully against the deep colour. She accessorised with a sequin box clutch from Elie Saab and 'Glitter Sledge Pumps' from LK Bennett.
HELLO!'s Fashion and Beauty News Editor Laura Sutcliffe praised the look: 'Velvet is such a sumptuous fabric to wear at Christmas time. It catches the light expertly and looks wonderful when it's a rich colour like Sophie's midnight blue look. It's pure regal elegance and the jewel tone makes such a bold statement – both fashion-forward and formal.'
The Duchess also wore her special Silver Bugle Horn brooch, representing her role as Royal Colonel of the 5th Battalion of The Rifles. The brooch, adopted by Light Infantry and Rifle Regiments in the early 1800s, served as the cap badge of The Rifles, used to pass orders on the battlefield.
