Sophie’s touching nod to her royal wedding on anniversary eve

Day three of Royal Ascot did not disappoint, with a host of royals and celebrities turning out – and among the outfits, gravity-defying headwear and jewels was a sentimental piece of jewellery royal fans would recognise.

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, emerged in a sentimental piece of jewellery she first wore on her wedding day. And the timing was perfect, with her anniversary falling today.

Sophie arrived for Day 3 of Royal Ascot in a stunning navy blue midi dress by one of her favourite designers, Suzannah London.

The organza bow midi dress retails for $5440. She paired it with a navy saucer-style hat with feathered detail.

But it was her accessories that delighted fans. Around her neck was the distinctive black and white pearl necklace, featuring a large cross, which she first wore for her wedding to Prince Edward 27 years ago today.

Prince Edward reportedly designed the show-stopping piece himself, which was part of a suite of jewellery that included a matching set of earrings.

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The necklace alone is estimated to be valued at up to $50,000.

Sophie did not wear the matching earrings overnight, but instead chose another pair for her outing with Edward − their second in as many days to this year’s event.

Sophie and Edward have had the most successful marriage of all of the late Queen Elizabeth’s four children, with all three of Edward’s siblings first marriages ending in divorce.

The first to wed was Princess Anne. She married Captain Mark Phillips at Westminster Abbey on November 14, 1973.

They had two children, Peter and Zara, before separating and ultimately divorcing in December 1992.

She went on to marry second husband Timothy Laurence, just days later in a ceremony held in Scotland to get around the Church of England’s strict rules on remarriage.

Edward’s eldest brother, King Charles, married Lady Diana Spencer on July 29, 1981.

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They welcomed two children, Prince William and Prince Harry, before ultimately separating and divorcing in August 28, 1996 − one year before her death.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor married Sarah Ferguson on July 23, 1986.

They welcomed Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie before they too separated and divorced in 1996.

Like his nephew, Prince William, Edward took his time before proposing to the then Sophie Rhys-Jones. They dated for six years before he popped the question.

They married on June 19, 1999, at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, and were created the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

They welcomed two children, Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and James, who is now known as the Earl of Wessex.

They have been known as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh since 2023.

The couple celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary at Royal Ascot last year.