Duchess Sophie ticks off first engagement of 2026 – in killer knee-high boots

The boots, which retail for £359, are made from sumptuous suede, which is perfect for the winter season because its napped texture traps air to provide natural insulation. They featured a block heel, making them perfect for a daytime engagement where walking is required, while also offering a more glamorous appearance than wearing trainers.

Styling her winter footwear, Sophie also donned a belted jacket by Bally, which featured a military aesthetic with structured button detailing and a Mandarin collar, as well as a charcoal rollneck and dark skirt.

Rounding off her look was Isabel Marant’s ‘Oskan Moon Shoulder Bag in Cognac’, which is a firm favourite in Sophie’s wardrobe. She previously carried the £695 bag while attending the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2024.

Sophie’s winter wardrobe staple

Knee-high boots are a signature piece in Sophie’s winter wardrobe and for good reason. Not only are they warm, but they enable her to look put together and formal, while not compromising her ability to walk on uneven ground associated with cold winter outings. A heeled boot also adds height to a look and takes it from casual to formal in a second.

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She proved just that as she stepped out with not only Prince Edward, but also King Charles and Queen Camilla to attend the Sunday morning church service at St Mary Magdalene church in Sandringham on 28 December 2025.

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Sophie re-wore her Penelope Chilvers boots, styling them with Harris Wharf’s ‘Volcano Coat’ in a luxurious cream shade, Lexy London’s ‘Deborah’ dress, and the ‘Maria’ fedora by Jane Taylor. 

Sophie’s style secret weapon

The royal’s outing to visit the charity Disability Initiative in Camberley, of which she is a patron, where she wore the same deep red printed dress and boots combo, proved that this style of footwear can be a secret style weapon for women in their 60s.

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Angela Kyte, a luxury stylist with a decade of experience in the fashion industry, broke down her look. She told us: “It balances structure with warmth, two qualities that are often difficult to achieve simultaneously.” 

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“Layered over a fluid, patterned dress, the overall effect is confident yet relaxed, which is very much in keeping with Sophie’s understated royal style,” the stylist added. “It’s a look that feels intentional and elegant without appearing overly styled.”