The Duchess of Edinburgh landed back on British soil, having visited Kenya and Somalia last week, and headed straight back out as she visited Northern Ireland on Tuesday. Duchess Sophie, 61, met representatives from Guide Dogs as patron of the charity during a visit to the Bloomfield Walkways Community Centre in Belfast.
For the occasion, Prince Edward‘s wife opted for a killer pair of ankle boots by none other than the iconic Jimmy Choo. The burgundy style, officially known as the ‘Cycas 80 Ankle Boots in Garnet’, featured an unusual skinny three-inch heel which fluted down into a circular shape, as well as a pointed toe.
© Getty ImagesKeeping her look formal, Sophie buttoned her blazer up to create a structured silhouette and tied her hair back in a neat ponytail. It was the playful heel that fashion stylist Leanne Jones says showed the duchess’ adventurous side.
Sophie shows her playful side
© Getty Images“These ‘Cycas’ boots make a statement and, as many fashion commentators predicted last autumn, they’re fast becoming a signature Jimmy Choo icon. The timeless silhouette, the sharp elegance of the pointed toe and the avant-garde sculptural heel elevate them far beyond the standard ankle boot,” Leanne explains.
“We saw plenty of playful footwear moments on the SS26 runways, particularly sculpted heels, so this choice feels both directional and perfectly on trend. It’s also a welcome, slightly cheeky addition to Sophie’s typically understated style,” she adds. “She has always approached her role with discretion and poise, favouring classic, safe choices over showmanship. But these subtle twists, and her investment in much-admired fashion houses, add a layer of personality that feels both surprising and impressive.”
A nifty re-wear
© PA Images via Getty ImagesSophie’s boots retail for £1,025, so are more of an investment piece and can be worn time and time again. In January 2026, the royal wore them during a visit to Skills Street education centre in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.
Here, she once again embraced a tonal look with the addition of her £4,100 Alaia wool coat and a jersey midi dress by Altuzarra.
A fresh addition to her Jimmy Choo collection
© Getty ImagesSophie also proved her love of a statement Jimmy Choo heel in January when she attended the UNA-UK conference to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN, at Methodist Central Hall, the site of the inaugural UN General Assembly, in London.
The brown ‘Love 85 Pumps’ in a croc print added a warm touch to her scarlet ‘Yahvi’ dress by Beulah London. It featured a crew neckline and beautiful fluted sleeves, while her epic 3.3-inch heels paired perfectly with her ‘Isabel Marant Oskan Moon Shoulder Bag’ in a caramel hue.
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