The Duchess of Edinburgh, now 61, looks more radiant than ever, and shows no signs of slowing down in her life or work, either. The trailblazing royal is known for her causes, especially supporting women, from meeting survivors of gender-based sexual violence, to openly discussing issues around the menopause.
When she turned 60 last year, for example, she personally chose rising photographer Christina Ebenezer to take her birthday portrait, rather than using one of the established royal photographers. In a caption alongside three photographs of Sophie, the Royal Family explained that, at 60, she had, “a renewed sense of excitement and commitment to her work around gender equality and looks forward to further embracing and championing this issue in the years to come.”
One thing none of us could help but notice in the images that marked Sophie’s entrance to her 60s, was how glowing and youthful the Duchess looked. Luckily, the GH team think we may have cracked the code as to how she continues to look so radiant. With three rules, Sophie ensures she looks at least 10 years younger than her age, combining tricks with her hair, beauty and styling routines.
One of the staples of the Duchess’ fashion, for instance, has always been a midi-length piece – whether it’s a midi skirt, dress or even coat. The classic cut is both timeless and flattering, as well as adding an air of sophistication to any look.
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In the her birthday portraits for example, Sophie was snapped wearing a white pleated midi skirt as well as a cream, single-breasted coat which was also cropped to midi length.
And, while the royal is no stranger to blonde highlights, she has given her colour a subtle upgrade in the past year or so, which aids her youthful glow.
“The Duchess pushed the boundaries with a TikTok-inspired hair colour,” notes beauty and wellness expert, Charley Williams-Howitt. “Sophie’s hairline looked notably lighter and fresher, much like the Scandi highlighting technique (or lift-lights) doing the rounds on social media.”
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Wondering what that is? Well, Louisa Moore, senior colourist at Jo Hansford Mayfair, explains that, “the Scandi hairline technique is a lightening method that ultimately creates a brightening effect around the hairline and face.” The face-framing, ‘halo’ effect therefore makes highlights look even brighter and fresher with minimal effort – perfect for Sophie’s effortless style file.
The final trick which ensures the Duchess always looks her best, is opting for ‘no makeup’ makeup with pared back beauty. Sophie always looks fresh faced and without a heavy base, which allows her natural freckles to show through. She avoids heavy eyeshadow or bold colours, instead focusing on warm, neutral shades for glowy skin which feels fresh without being forced.
Max Mumby/Indigo//Getty Images
Max Mumby/Indigo//Getty Images
Of course, this style of makeup can only work so well if there’s a nailed down skincare routine to prepare the base first, so it’s clear she must be taking good care of her skin. While Sophie has never revealed her exact routine, many experts have speculated that exfoliation is likely to play a key role, while she has reportedly admitted in the past that Trish McEvoy is a makeup brand she uses.
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