Duchess Sophie looks ‘gorgeous’ in £1,600 Italy-inspired dress

The Duchess Of Edinburgh attended a performance of “Orb and Sceptre”, The Household Division’s Beating Retreat Military Musical Spectacular, at Horse Guards Parade, in London.

Sophie chose a stunning Emilia Wickstead floral dress for the occasion, the Marion Floral-Print Cotton Midi Dress which retails for £1,600 in Selfridges.

The blue midi dress, featuring a round neck with collar, long sleeves and a buckle belt at the waist, is “crafted from easy, breezy cotton with a flowing flared hem”.

The Selfridges website explained that the Marion dress is “swathed in delicate florals from top to bottom and is signed off with a spread collar to keep things traditional”.

Emilia Wickstead’s collection “call to mind memories of sun-soaked Italy – after all, she did spend time living in Milan as a teenager,” the website explained.

Duchess Sophie combined the floral dress with her Cleo clutch bag from Sophie Habsburg, also in blue.

The small hand-painted crossbody bag with a removable chain, “perfect to wear as an evening clutch”, costs £332.

The Duchess of Edinburgh finished her summery look with a pair of nude leather pumps from Prada.

Royalists took to social media to share their thoughts and hundreds praised Sophie’s stylish look.

On Instagram, @mattelgirl said: “Very pretty dress. Love all the details and the print is cheery and the perfect size pattern.”

Another one, @carmnavia, commented: “What a beautiful, elegant dress! She looks lovely!”

@ellainthecityboston agreed and opined that the Duchess looked gorgeous. She added: “Adore this dress on Sophie!”

However, others opined that the dress “made her look older”. @sallylark commented: “No, don’t like this dress on her, old lady dress.”

@liaperita suggested: “The dress makes her look old, plus the nude heels don’t help, I think they don’t match at all.”

Beating Retreat originated as a military drum call in the 16th century and has now evolved into a musical ceremonial event.

It comprises a display of military music, horsemanship, precision drill, pageantry and fireworks.